Let me tell you, folks, when it comes to powerhouse voices in the music industry, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire are two names that instantly come to mind. After Kelly's split from Brandon Blackstock, fans have been curious about whether she's still on good terms with her former mother-in-law, Reba. It's not just about whether they're still friends—it’s about the history they share and the bond they’ve built over the years. Stick with me, because we're diving deep into their relationship.
How Are Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire Connected?
Now, here’s the scoop: Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire aren’t related by blood, but they are tied together through their respective marriages. In 2013, Kelly tied the knot with Brandon Blackstock, a music manager who followed in the footsteps of his father, Narvel Blackstock. Reba was married to Narvel from 1989 to 2015, and during that time, she became a stepmother to Brandon and his two sisters, Shawna and Chassidy, from Narvel’s first marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritter. Reba also welcomed her biological son, Shelby, with Narvel in 1990. So, while they don’t share DNA, their families are intertwined through these relationships.
Over the years, Kelly and Reba have shared the stage and even posed for countless photos together. They’ve built a friendship that transcends just being in-laws. It’s a bond that started long before Kelly’s marriage to Brandon and has continued even after their divorce.
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Before Kelly’s split from Brandon, it was clear that Reba was a big supporter of her stepson’s marriage. During a 2019 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, Kelly expressed her admiration for her mother-in-law. “Out of all the fun we’ve had, I always have my little moments with you because I know we’re friends and family, but you’re always, like, that hero to me—especially musically,” Kelly said. “You’re just a beast, a pioneer for women. It’s insane.”
Reba returned the love, too. In December 2018, she told Closer: “She’s a great gal, big-hearted, and with Kelly, what you see is what you get! I love her to pieces. She’s been one of my best friends since I met her in 2002.”
Are Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire Still Friends?
Let’s get real here. Kelly and Brandon had two beautiful children together, River and Remington, but life doesn’t always go as planned. Kelly filed for divorce from Brandon in June 2020, and it was a pretty shocking moment for fans. But here’s the thing: even after the split, Reba and Kelly’s friendship remained strong. An insider told Closer in December 2020: “Kelly and Reba have a bond that cannot be broken. It may get a little awkward at times, but nothing is going to get in the way of Kelly and Reba’s relationship.”
In April 2023, Reba made a guest appearance on The Voice to mentor the contestants. She couldn’t help but gush about Kelly. “I am so proud of Kelly,” Reba said. “She has grown as an artist, as a teacher. From when we first met in 2000—way back—[in] 2002, so that was how long we’ve known each other. She was a baby!” Reba added, “Now, she’s just matured into this wonderful woman that I am just so proud of, and I love her with all my heart.”
Where Does Kelly Stand With Reba in 2023?
During her Las Vegas residency in July 2023, Kelly sang a cover of Gayle’s “abcdefu,” changing the lyrics to reference Brandon and Narvel. She sang, “F–k you and your dad,” and later added, “Everybody but your dogs, you can all f–k off.” It went viral, and naturally, fans wondered if this included Reba. But from what we know, that’s not the case.
In June 2023, Kelly appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen and confirmed that she and Reba are still close. “We’re both women of sound mind that know that life doesn’t work out sometimes,” she said. “So yeah, no hard feelings there. Just feelings!”
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