Reba McEntire Opens Up About Kelly Clarkson & Brandon Blackstock’s Divorce: ‘I Pray They’re Happy and Healthy’

In a world where celebrity marriages and divorces often make headlines, the story of Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s split has been one of the most talked-about in recent years. As one of the most beloved voices in country music, Reba McEntire is now adding her voice to the conversation, offering heartfelt comments about the painful divorce and the toll it’s taken on the families involved. McEntire, who was once married to Blackstock’s father, Narvel Blackstock, for over two decades, recently opened up about her thoughts on Kelly and Brandon’s separation in an exclusive interview with Extra. Her candid words are striking, as she reflects on the situation with genuine empathy and concern for both parties.

Reba, who had a close relationship with both Kelly Clarkson and her stepson Brandon Blackstock, admitted that her heart goes out to them during this difficult time. She emphasized the need for support and understanding from the public, urging everyone to give both Kelly and Brandon the space and encouragement they need to heal. “Brandon’s my stepson, Kelly’s my good friend, and I’m pulling for them both,” McEntire shared during the interview. “I hope they’re happy and healthy, and I pray that everyone gives them the encouragement they need right now. They’ve been through a lot.”

Reba’s statement struck a chord, as she’s no stranger to the challenges of high-profile relationships. Having been married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015, McEntire understands the complex dynamics of family and divorce. Despite the personal nature of the situation, Reba made it clear that she deeply cares for both Kelly and Brandon, revealing that her feelings toward both of them are full of love and support.

The timeline of Kelly and Brandon’s separation is well-documented, with the couple officially ending their marriage in June 2020. In court filings, Kelly Clarkson cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split, a phrase that seems almost too familiar in the celebrity world. Their divorce proceedings have since been a subject of public scrutiny, and a judge’s order in August 2021 confirmed that the finalization of their marital status would officially occur on January 7, 2022. The order was a bittersweet reminder of the end of a relationship that had captivated the media and fans alike.

However, the financial aspect of their split has also captured attention. As part of the temporary spousal support, Kelly was ordered to pay Brandon a hefty $150,000 per month. In addition, the court ruled that she would also pay $45,601 per month in child support for their two children. The complexities of their financial arrangement have added to the challenges of their divorce, yet both parties have tried to remain as private as possible in the face of public speculation.

For Reba, though, it seems her concern is not just for the money or the headlines, but for the well-being of the children involved. In the same interview, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing the kids’ emotional health during the entire process. According to the court’s ruling, Kelly and Brandon will share joint legal and physical custody of their children, with Kelly being the primary physical custodian in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Brandon will have visitation rights on weekends, holidays, and school breaks. McEntire’s empathy shines through as she mentions how hard it is for children to navigate these changes, especially when it involves two public figures as their parents.

Despite the sadness of the situation, Kelly Clarkson has remained mostly tight-lipped about the details of her divorce, choosing instead to focus on her music and her daytime talk show. But in a candid moment on The Kelly Clarkson Show, she opened up about the emotional toll of her split, saying, “What I’m dealing with is hard because it involves more than just my heart. It involves a lot of little hearts.” Her vulnerability struck a chord with many, showing just how deeply this breakup has affected her, especially when it comes to her children.

As a friend to both Kelly and Brandon, Reba’s comments reflect her deep compassion for the couple and the difficult road ahead. While many fans were hoping for a reconciliation or a public statement of resolution, it’s clear that both Kelly and Brandon are working through their emotions privately, with the support of family and friends. Reba’s words serve as a reminder that, despite the fame and fortune, celebrity divorces are no less painful or complex than those experienced by anyone else.

In the months following the divorce, both Kelly and Brandon have remained focused on their personal lives and careers. Clarkson has continued to perform and pursue her musical passion, while Blackstock has remained out of the public eye for the most part. Despite their differences, the two have one thing in common: the shared love for their children, which will always be at the forefront of their co-parenting relationship.

As for Reba McEntire, her role as a stepmother and friend to both parties remains central to her perspective on the situation. In a world where family dynamics are constantly shifting, Reba’s words of wisdom and understanding offer a glimpse of the deep care she feels for the people involved, especially during a time when they need it most. Her hope for Kelly and Brandon is simple but profound: “I just hope they find peace, happiness, and health in the future.”

The world may never fully understand the complexities of celebrity relationships, but one thing is clear: Reba McEntire’s unwavering support and love for both Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock shows that sometimes, love and compassion are the most important things to offer during difficult times.