“I certainly don’t feel 99 years old, that’s for sure.”
On Tuesday, August 12, Reba McEntire took to Instagram to share her first statement since her former stepson Brandon Blackstock’s death.
McEntire was married to Blackstock’s father, Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015.
Alongside several images of herself and Blackstock together, McEntire wrote, “last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God.”
“His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence,” she continued. “There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family.”
“Rest in peace, cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again,” McEntire concluded her statement.
Blackstock was 48 years old at the time of his death.
According to People, Blackstock died following a 3-year battle with melanoma.
McEntire’s statement follows her youngest son Shelby Blackstock’s statement, which he shared last week on his own Instagram account.
READ MORE: Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, cause of death revealed
“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 began his statement.
“Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family—funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed.”
Shelby said that his older brother “taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever. 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 although it may annoy you, 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,” Shelby joked.
“We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you,” he concluded his note.
McEntire commented on her son's post, writing, "Very well said Shelby. Yes we will miss him so much."
