The Voice coach, Reba McEntire, is mourning another heartbreaking death that has tragically ripped her apart. She suffered the tragic loss of her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, in August 2025. Now, more sadness has struck her life, and it has taken hold of her. Keep reading for more details.
Reba McEntire Mourns Another Heartbreaking Death
This should be a beautiful time in Reba McEntire’s life, as she is still an icon in the country world. Plus, she is a fan favorite coach on The Voice and has a successful sitcom, Happy’s Place. She recently announced her engagement to longtime friend and boyfriend of five years, Rex Linn. The two currently share the screen on HP together and became engaged on Christmas 2024, but remained tight-lipped for personal reasons. In the summer of 2025, Reba’s stepson, Brandon Blackstock, passed away from melanoma. He had battled it for three years and eventually succumbed to skin cancer.
Now, the seventy-year-old is mourning another tragic death that has crippled her inside. Aside from her stepchildren from her marriage to Narvel Blackstock, she also has a son, Shelby. He is a thirty-five-year-old, happily married racecar driver, but things just took a turn. Shelby and his wife, Marissa, suffered a miscarriage, plus Marissa’s father passed, so this is a lot to handle. Of course, Reba feels horrible for her son and daughter-in-law as they are mourning. It was Marissa who spoke up and out about her pain and suffering:
“I’ve carried more loss this year than I ever imagined I could. First my brother-in-law, then my dad… and now our little boy.”
She noted how her dad died, and the morning after, she learned that she was expecting her son. This was a miracle, but it was short-lived. However, Marissa held on to it for as long as she could until it was no longer.
Followers immediately rallied around Reba McEntire’s daughter-in-law with love and words of encouragement. They wanted her to know that they felt her pain, but that everything would be okay in due time.
It Will All Work Out
Although this was the most painful situation to add to 2025, Reba McEntire’s fans were nothing but compassionate. They believed it would all work out for Shelby and Marissa Blackstock in the long run and when the time was right. Some had been in the same situation and could relate to Marissa’s pain, so they wanted her to know they understood every moment:
- Holding you & Shelby in my heart & prayers! Always remember that God’s timing is perfect, even when you can’t see it. <3
- So sorry for your loss. You share your feelings so beautifully. You certainly are a strong person. 🙏🙏🙏❤️
- I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and Shelby and your family. 🙏🙏🙏 May God wrap his arms around you 🤍 🕊️
Hopefully, Marissa feels all the love that she has been sent, and it will set her up for a beautiful and positive 2026. Did you have any idea that Reba McEntire had a married son? Moreover, do you think she will help Shelby and Marissa navigate this storm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.