Shelby Blackstock is paying tribute to his late brother.
The son of Reba McEntire and her ex Narvel Blackstock wrote a touching message in honor of his half-brother Brandon Blackstock, who recently died at age 48 after a three-year battle with cancer.
“Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son,” Shelby wrote on Instagram August 8. “Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family—funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed. He taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever.”
He continued, “For every treasured moment we shared, there are so many more we’ll never get to make together, but I know you’ll still be there. Every hunt, every flight, and in the everyday moments of life, I’ll feel your presence.”
And Shelby made it clear that he would always see himself as the little brother of Brandon, whose mom is Elisa Gayle Ritter.
“And although it may annoy you,” the 35-year-old continued, “you’ll have to watch me do it all just a little better, a little smoother, and—let’s be honest—looking far more handsome than you ever could in the process.”
Closing out his message, he added, “We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you.”
Brandon’s rep announced his passing on Aug. 7, sharing that the talent manager—who was married to Kelly Clarkson from 2013 to 2022—passed away after battling cancer for more than three years.
“He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,” his rep shared in a statement to NBC News. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
And while Reba has yet to speak publicly on Brandon’s untimely passing, she previously provided insight into her close bond with her stepson, who is dad to kids River, 11, and Remington, 9, with Kelly.
“I don’t consider Brandon, Chassidy and Shawna stepchildren,” the singer told The Boot in 2010. “I claim them all.”
For a look back at Brandon’s life, read on.
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