Reba McEntire Shares How Kelly Clarkson’s Kids Are Doing After Brandon Blackstock’s Death: “We Know God’s Got This”

The country music community was still grieving when Reba McEntire offered a deeply emotional update about her late stepson, Brandon Blackstock, and his two children with Kelly Clarkson.

Brandon Blackstock died on August 7, 2025, at age 48, after a private battle with melanoma. He and Kelly Clarkson had two children together, daughter River Rose and son Remington “Remy” Alexander. (People.com)

For Reba, the loss was especially personal. Brandon was not simply Kelly Clarkson’s former husband—he had been part of Reba’s family for decades.

“We Miss Brandon So Much”

Speaking about the family, Reba made it clear that Brandon’s absence was being felt every day.

She described him as someone full of “life, joy, love”, remembering his playful personality and the happiness he brought to those around him. The family has also remained connected through a group text chain where they share memories of Brandon and continue supporting one another. (People.com)

For Kelly and her children, however, the loss has been especially difficult.

River and Remy were still young when they lost their father, making the grieving process something the family has had to navigate carefully and privately.

How Are Kelly’s Children Doing?

When Reba was asked about Kelly and the children, she offered a reassuring but realistic description.

The family was “hanging in there.” Reba explained that everyone was staying close, spending time together, and supporting one another through the difficult period. (EW.com)

Earlier, at the 2025 Emmy Awards, Reba had similarly said that Brandon’s children were doing well and that the family was taking things one day at a time. (Billboard)

That phrase may be the most honest description of grief.

There is no simple timetable for recovering from the loss of a parent.

Some days may feel almost normal.

Other days can bring memories rushing back.

For children, those emotions can be particularly difficult to understand.

Kelly Clarkson Has Put Her Children First

Kelly has also made clear that her children are her priority.

Following Brandon’s death, she stepped back from parts of her professional schedule to spend more time with River and Remy. In a later update, Kelly spoke about how everyday moments with her children had become especially important. (Us Weekly)

One year after Brandon’s death, reports continue to describe Kelly as focused on providing stability and emotional support for the children while allowing them room to grieve in their own ways. (Page Six)

That doesn’t mean the pain has disappeared.

It means the family is learning how to live with the loss.

Reba’s Role in the Family

Reba’s relationship with Brandon adds another emotional layer to this story.

She was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, for 26 years, and she remained close to Brandon and the wider Blackstock family even after her divorce from Narvel. Reba has also spoken about considering Brandon’s children part of her extended family. (Wikipedia)

So when she talks about Kelly and the children, she’s speaking not only as a country music legend or former stepmother.

She’s speaking as someone who loved Brandon.

That’s why her comments have resonated with so many fans.

A Family Choosing to Stay Together

Perhaps the most powerful part of Reba’s message isn’t a dramatic revelation.

It’s the simple reminder that grief is easier to carry when people don’t face it alone.

Kelly has her children.

Reba has her family.

And the Blackstock family continues to remember Brandon through stories, conversations, and shared memories.

Reba’s faith has also been an important source of strength throughout her life. Her message reflects that perspective: sometimes there are no perfect words to explain a tragedy, and all a family can do is hold onto one another and trust that they will eventually find their way forward.

Brandon’s death changed the family forever.

But his memory remains part of it.

And for Kelly Clarkson and her children, the road ahead may still be difficult—but they don’t have to walk it alone.

One day at a time. One memory at a time. And surrounded by people who still love Brandon and will never forget him.