Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire are two of the most successful and influential singers in the country music scene. They have collaborated on several songs, such as “Because of You” and “Does He Love You”, and have shared the stage on tours and shows. But did you know that they are also related by marriage? Here’s how the two superstars became family.
A Match Made in Music Heaven
Kelly Clarkson rose to fame as the first winner of American Idol in 2002, and soon became one of the best-selling artists of all time. She has won three Grammy Awards, sold over 25 million albums, and has had 11 top-ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Reba McEntire is a country music legend, who has been in the industry since 1975. She has won 16 ACM Awards, three Grammy Awards, and has sold over 75 million records worldwide. She is also an actress, who has starred in movies and TV shows, such as Tremors, Reba, and Malibu Country.
The two singers met for the first time in 2002, when Kelly was a contestant on American Idol. Reba was a guest judge on the show, and was impressed by Kelly’s talent and personality. They became friends, and later performed together for the first time in 2007, when they sang a duet version of Kelly’s hit “Because of You”. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.
A year later, they embarked on a joint tour across North America, called “2 Worlds 2 Voices”. They sang each other’s songs, as well as covers of classic hits. The tour was a huge success, and cemented their musical partnership.
A Family Affair
But their relationship was not only professional, it was also personal. In 2013, Kelly married Brandon Blackstock, who is Reba’s former stepson. Reba married Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, in 1989. Narvel was Reba’s manager and guitarist, and had three children from a previous marriage: Shawna, Chassidy, and Brandon. Reba became their stepmother, and treated them like her own.
Kelly and Brandon met in 2006, at the Academy of Country Music Awards. They were introduced by Reba, who thought they would make a good match. However, they did not start dating until 2012, when they reconnected at the Super Bowl. They got engaged later that year, and tied the knot in 2013, at a private ceremony in Tennessee.
Kelly became Reba’s daughter-in-law, and they continued to support each other’s careers. They also became mothers-in-law to each other’s children. Kelly has two kids with Brandon: River Rose and Remington Alexander. Reba has one son with Narvel: Shelby Blackstock.
A Bittersweet Bond
Unfortunately, both Kelly and Reba have gone through divorces from their respective husbands. Reba and Narvel announced their separation in 2015, after 26 years of marriage. They finalized their divorce later that year. Reba said that the split was not her idea, and that it was a very painful experience.
Kelly and Brandon filed for divorce in 2020, after seven years of marriage. They cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their breakup. Kelly said that the divorce was very hard on her and her kids, and that she did not see it coming.
Despite their marital troubles, Kelly and Reba have remained close friends and family. They still text each other regularly, and share their love for music. They have also appeared together on The Voice, where Kelly is a coach and Reba is a mega-mentor.
Kelly has said that Reba is one of her major influences as an artist, and that she admires her strength and grace. Reba has said that she is very proud of Kelly, and that she loves her like a daughter.
According to Country Living, Reba said that she would love to go on tour with Kelly again someday. Kelly agreed, saying that she would love to do anything with Reba.
