,type=downsize)
Reba McEntire was responsible for fostering unity amid grief. Brandon Blackstock, McEntire's former stepson and Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, died earlier this month after a private battle with cancer. It seems like Blackstock spent the last days of his life amidst family, receiving their full support thanks to McEntire's collaboration.
A source spoke to the New York Post and revealed that while relationships in the Blackstock family were "contentious," everyone banded together in the past months, with McEntire playing a positive influence.
McEntire was previously married to Narvel Blackstock, with both moving on from their relationships and finding new partners. The couple was together for years, marrying in 1989 and finalizing their divorce in 2015.
“Narvel and his wife, Laura, and Reba’s boyfriend, Rex, are at a place where they can be together and talk, which is a big step,” said an insider. “Reba has a heart of gold, and she was there for Brandon and his kids. They are family at the end of the day.”
More details about Blackstock's death
Blackstock was 48 and had been struggling with his health for the past year. The cause of death was melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Earlier this month, Clarkson canceled the August dates in her Las Vegas residency, sharing some rare details of her private life. "While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them," she said in an Instagram statement.
"I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding."
Clarkson and Blackstock finalized their divorce in 2022, a process that was complicated. Still, it appears that their relationship had mended in the final stage of his life.
"Kelly and Brandon had their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, he was the father of her children, and she is absolutely heartbroken for them," said an insider to PEOPLE. "Her kids are her entire world, and she's staying strong for their sake."
Blackstock was the father of four kids: Savannah and Seth, shared with his first wife Melissa Ashworth, and River and Remi, shared with Clarkson. He's also survived by a grandson, the first son of Savannah, born in 2022.