His family confirmed the heartbreaking news last week, revealing he had died at the age of 48 following a more than three-year battle with melanoma.

They said Brandon Blackstock passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and thanked friends and fans for their outpouring of thoughts and prayers while asking for privacy during this difficult time.

On Instagram, Reba honored Brandon with a moving message alongside cherished memories.

“Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God,” she wrote. “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.”

Reba continued, “His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace, cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”

Her heartfelt tribute drew an overwhelming wave of support from friends and fans alike.

Wynonna Judd added, “Love you, friend,” while actor Charles Esten wrote, “Sending so much love. May he Rest In Peace, and may God bless you all with strength and consolation.”

Years before Brandon Blackstock’s death, Reba McEntire made it clear she wasn’t taking sides in his high-profile split from Kelly Clarkson. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in 2021, the country legend said she had too much love for both to ever “play favorites.”

“Kelly and I do talk, we text, and I love them both, and so I can’t play favorites because I’ve been a friend of Kelly for a long time,” Reba explained at the time.

Although her marriage to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, ended in 2015, Reba stressed that she still considered Brandon family.

“Brandon’s been my son forever, it seems. Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total. My blood,” she said, adding, “So I’m praying for ‘em both ‘cause I love ‘em both.”

Sharing a carousel of throwback photos, Shelby reflected on their close relationship, calling Brandon “an irreplaceable part of our family” who was “funny, bright, and full of life.”

“You taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever,” Shelby wrote. “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.”

While many expected the memorial to focus on his family and career achievements, fans were surprised to discover a personal detail that hadn’t been publicly shared before. Brandon had a “loving partner” by his side in his final days.

According to the obituary, the late music manager, who was married to Kelly Clarkson for over seven years before their high-profile divorce, spent his last years in Montana with Brittney Marie Jones, identified as his partner in both life and business.

The tribute noted that after more than two decades in the music industry, Brandon “found his way back to the mountains and the cowboy way of life he always wanted to live,” adding that he and Jones built a homestead together and launched Headwaters Livestock Auction as well as The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana.