Brandon Blackstock’s brother, Shelby Blackstock, is marking the first anniversary of his sibling’s death.
“It’s been one year since we lost you … a void that can never be filled,” Shelby, 36, wrote via Instagram on Friday, August 7. “It still doesn’t feel real. Sometimes it feels like we’re all just busy and overdue for a catch-up call. Then reality hits all over again. It’s a painful reminder every single day.”
Brandon died at 48 in August 2025 after a private battle with cancer. He is survived by his parents, his siblings, his four kids — two of whom he shared with ex-wife Kelly Clarkson — and multiple grandchildren. (Exes Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter welcomed Brandon and sisters Shawna Blackstock and Chassidy Blackstock. Narvel, 69, shares Shelby with ex-wife Reba McEntire.)
“A lot has happened this past year. As I’m getting ready to welcome my first son into the world, I’ve found myself thinking about what shaped me growing up,” Shelby continued on Friday, referring to wife Marissa Blackstock’s pregnancy. “It truly took an army, but somehow it always came back to you. You welcomed me as a new little brother, helped raise me, and, more than anything, gave me an outrageous amount of confidence in myself.”
He continued, “That confidence became the foundation for believing I could accomplish anything in life. It’s one of the greatest gifts anyone has ever given me. I wish you could have met [my son] Archer. But in a way, I like to think you already have. 🙏.”
Shelby further promised that he will “do [his] best to pass along” Brandon’s lessons to his baby boy.
“Lucky for him, his teacher is more handsome, taller, fitter, faster and definitely smarter … I still might not out-hunt you just yet, but I’m working on it,” he joked. “I’ll see you around, cowboy. We miss you. We love you. Every single day.”
Since Brandon’s death, Shelby has been candid about honoring his brother’s memory.
“Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family — funny, bright, and full of life — and he will be deeply missed,” Shelby captioned an Instagram tribute last year. “He 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.”
