Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Reba McEntire’s stepson, Brandon Blackstock, passed away in August following a private fight with melanoma.
Reba McEntire became visibly emotional during a recent episode of The Voice.
On Monday night’s episode of the hit competition show, the 70-year-old country legend teared up after contestant Aubrey Nicole performed Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” during the first knockout round of season 28.
Following the heartfelt performance, fellow coach Snoop Dogg admitted he wasn’t familiar with the song but was deeply moved by Nicole’s delivery. As McEntire wiped away tears, Snoop handed her a tissue. “I do know this song. Martina’s— I’ll need it, thank you, Snoop,” McEntire said.
“Martina’s a dear friend of mine,” she continued. “I lost my oldest son because he didn’t win his battle with cancer. That was a real reminder that life goes on, and we sing songs like this to remember the ones we love and lean on in times like these. You did a beautiful job.”
The song tells the story of a couple facing a cancer diagnosis together, with poignant lyrics such as, “Cancer don’t discriminate or care if you’re just 38 / With three kids who need you in their lives.” According to NBC News, Nicole dedicated the performance to her father, who previously battled cancer and is now in remission.
McEntire’s emotional reaction comes just months after the death of her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away in August following a private battle with melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
She was married to Brandon’s father, her former manager Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015. Shortly after Brandon’s passing, McEntire honored him on Instagram with several photos and a heartfelt message:
“Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God. His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence. There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace, cowboy. Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.”
In addition to Brandon, McEntire is stepmother to Narvel’s daughters, Chassidy and Shawna, from his first marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritter. She and Narvel also share one son, Shelby.
Despite her 2015 divorce from Narvel, McEntire has remained close to his children. “I absolutely loved that child,” she told People in October. “He came into my life when he was about four years old, and when Narvel and I got married, he was around 13 or 14. Along with his mom and dad, I helped raise him, as well as Shawna and Chassidy. They were my kids.”
She added that Brandon had “a great sense of humor” and loved to “scare people,” describing him as “mischievous and full of life.” McEntire said his spirit will always be remembered: “We’ll never forget him.”
