If you’ve spent any time at all looking at the country or pop music charts over the last twenty years, you know that Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson are basically royalty. But their connection isn't just about high notes or award show trophies. Honestly, it's a lot more complicated than that. It’s a story of family, messy divorces, and a mentorship that somehow survived the kind of drama that usually destroys Hollywood friendships.
Most people know they were in-laws. Some remember the duets. But the real story? It’s about two women who decided that a piece of paper—or a lack of one—wasn't going to dictate their bond.
The Family Connection That Got Complicated
Let’s go back for a second. In 2013, Kelly married Brandon Blackstock. At the time, Brandon’s dad, Narvel Blackstock, was married to Reba. That made Reba Kelly’s stepmother-in-law. It sounds like a tongue twister, but for a few years, they were legit family. They spent holidays together. Reba was "Grandma" to Kelly’s kids, River Rose and Remington.
Then the wheels started coming off.
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Reba and Narvel split in 2015 after 26 years. It was a shocker. Kelly actually reportedly tried to help them work things out, but it wasn't meant to be. Then, in 2020, Kelly filed for divorce from Brandon. That could have been the end of it. In most families, when you divorce the son, you lose the mom too. Especially when there are lawsuits involved—and boy, were there lawsuits. Kelly ended up in a massive legal battle with Narvel’s management company.
You’d think Reba would be caught in the middle.
Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson: Did the Divorce Ruin Everything?
People kept waiting for the "feud" headlines. They’re still waiting.
During an interview with Extra, Reba was asked straight up about the split. She didn't dodge it. She basically said she loved them both and was "pulling for both of them." She called Brandon her "son" (even though he’s her stepson) and Kelly her "good friend."
Kelly has been just as vocal. When she sat down with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, she made it clear: "We were friends before Brandon and I got together."
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Why their bond actually works:
- History: They met back in 2002 when Kelly won American Idol. Reba was her idol.
- Mutual Respect: They’ve toured together (the 2 Worlds 2 Voices tour was legendary).
- Shared Experience: Both women have had to navigate very public, very expensive divorces from men in the same family.
Honestly, that last part probably bonded them more than anything. They both know what it’s like to have your private business aired in a courtroom. Kelly once joked that she "kept Reba" in the divorce. It’s funny, but it’s also kind of deep. It shows that their friendship wasn't just a byproduct of a marriage certificate.
Tragic Turns and Standing Together
The year 2025 was a heavy one for this extended family. Brandon Blackstock passed away at 48 after a three-year battle with cancer. It was a blow that no one saw coming.
In the wake of that tragedy, the public saw a different side of the Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson dynamic. Despite the legal battles of the past, Reba reportedly stepped up to help the family find some level of unity for the sake of the kids. It’s one thing to talk about being "women of sound mind," as Kelly puts it, but it’s another thing to actually show up when things get dark.
Reba has always had this "mama bear" energy. Whether she’s mentoring on The Voice or helping her former daughter-in-law navigate a family loss, she seems to prioritize the person over the politics.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that their relationship is "strained" because of the Blackstock men.
Sure, it’s gotta be awkward at Thanksgiving. But these are two of the most powerful women in music. They don't need anyone’s permission to stay friends. When Reba joined The Voice, one of the first people she texted was Kelly. They weren't asking for advice on how to handle the "ex" situation; they were talking shop.
They’ve performed "Fancy" together. They’ve sung "Because of You" until the rafters shook. You can't fake that kind of chemistry. It’s built on decades of Reba showing Kelly the ropes of the industry and Kelly giving Reba a front-row seat to the evolution of pop music.
Insights for the Long Haul
If there’s anything to learn from the saga of Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson, it’s that you can choose your tribe. Family isn't always about who you’re married to; sometimes it’s about who stays on the phone with you when you’re crying at 2:00 AM.
If you're looking to apply a bit of that "Reba and Kelly" energy to your own life, here is how you handle complicated relationships with grace:
- Separate the person from the conflict. You can be frustrated with a situation without hating the person involved.
- Keep it private. Notice how you never hear Reba or Kelly trashing each other in the press? That’s professional—and personal—integrity.
- Prioritize the kids. Everything they’ve done has been to make sure the next generation (River, Remi, and the older Blackstock kids) feels supported.
- Don't let a "title" define a bond. "Ex-mother-in-law" is just a label. "Friend" is a choice.
The next time you see them on screen together, remember it’s not just a PR stunt. It’s two women who survived a whole lot of mess and decided that their friendship was the one thing they weren't going to let break.
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Next Steps for Fans:
Check out the 2007 CMT Crossroads episode featuring both artists to see where the magic started. If you're following their current projects, watch for Reba's latest coaching stints on The Voice and Kelly's "Kellyoke" segments, where she frequently pays homage to the country legends who paved her way.