**Reba McEntire Confirms Heartbreaking Truth About Her Stepson at 70**

At 70 years old, Reba McEntire, the iconic country music legend, finally addressed long-standing rumors about her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, in a revelation that stunned Hollywood.

Born on March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma, Reba’s journey from a small-town ranch girl to a superstar with a $95 million empire is well-known. Her life, filled with triumphs like 35 number-one country hits and personal trials including a tragic 1991 plane crash that killed her band, has always captivated fans.

Yet, a deeply personal chapter remained hidden until August 2025, when she broke her silence about her bond with Brandon, a relationship forged when she married her manager, Narvel Blackstock, in 1989.

Reba instantly became a stepmother to Narvel’s three children—Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna. Despite whispers of a marriage driven by business, Reba insisted her love for the family was genuine.

She embraced her role, even as her career soared with hits like “Fancy” and acting ventures in films like *Tremors*. Behind closed doors, however, her personal life faced scrutiny, especially after her 2015 divorce from Narvel, a split that cost her nearly half her fortune in a $47.5 million settlement. Still, her connection with her stepchildren endured, a testament to her commitment beyond legal ties.

The rumors about Brandon, who later married singer Kelly Clarkson, swirled for decades. Fans speculated about tensions or hidden family dynamics, fueled by Reba’s silence on the matter. In August 2025, tragedy struck when Brandon passed away at 48 from melanoma. Reba’s emotional Instagram tribute called him “irreplaceable,” echoing her words, “He’s been my son forever… I still love him like he’s my blood.”

This heartbreaking confirmation shattered any doubts about her feelings, revealing a maternal bond that withstood divorce and public scrutiny. Her son Shelby also honored Brandon, describing him as “full of life,” while Kelly Clarkson canceled Vegas shows to support their children, River and Remington.

Reba’s revelation wasn’t just about loss; it highlighted her resilience in maintaining family unity despite personal and professional chaos. From childhood on an 8,000-acre ranch, where she tackled grueling chores and learned grit, to navigating Nashville’s harsh rejections and vocal cord surgeries, Reba’s life taught her to endure.

Her stepson’s passing, coupled with her public acknowledgment, underscored a side of her rarely seen—a woman who, despite fame, prioritized love over conflict.

This moment also coincided with a new chapter in her life. In September 2025, at the Emmy Awards, Reba appeared with Rex Linn, her partner since 2020, wearing a black ring, hinting at an engagement.

At 70, after two marriages, she described this relationship as one of “joy, not survival.” Reba’s story, marked by heartbreak and renewal, continues to evolve, proving her strength lies not just in music but in the family she fiercely protects.