Country music icon Dolly Parton has offered heartfelt words of comfort to fellow musician Kelly Clarkson following the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. Speaking with *Entertainment Tonight* on Tuesday, August 12, Parton, 79, shared wisdom gleaned from her own experience after the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, earlier this year.
“You just have to be grateful for the years that you’ve had with someone and you just try to remember the very best of all that,” Parton said. “Take their energy that they have given you … and kinda just recycle that and let that become a part of you.”
Parton, who was married to Dean for over 60 years, continued, “Just honor their memory and just know they’re in a better place than we are these days.” (No official cause of death was announced.)
Just one day prior, *Us Weekly* confirmed that Blackstock passed away as a result of melanoma, a form of skin cancer. He was 48 years old. His family announced the news on Thursday, August 7, stating that Blackstock “bravely battled cancer for more than three years.”
Clarkson, who was married to Blackstock from 2013 to 2022 and shared daughters River, 11, and Remington, 9, with him, had previously informed fans of Blackstock’s illness and paused her Las Vegas residency.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” Clarkson said in an Instagram statement on August 6. “While I normally keep my personal life private, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
Shelby Blackstock, Brandon’s stepmother, shared an initial tribute on Instagram on Friday, August 8, describing the loss as “tremendous” and highlighting Brandon’s “funny, bright, and full of life” personality.
Reba McEntire, 70, responded three days later, echoing the sentiment: “Very well said Shelby. Yes we will miss him so much.” McEntire also shared her thoughts via Instagram on Tuesday, stating, “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.”
The outpouring of support reflects the profound impact Brandon Blackstock had on those around him, as McEntire concluded, “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.”