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The Unbreakable Bond: 5 Shocking Facts About Kelly Clarkson’s Relationship With Former Mother-in-Law Reba McEntire

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The relationship between Kelly Clarkson and her former mother-in-law, Reba McEntire, is one of the most unique and heartwarming stories in Hollywood, especially considering the contentious nature of Clarkson's recent divorce. Despite Kelly Clarkson's highly publicized and difficult split from Brandon Blackstock, the bond with country music legend Reba McEntire—who was her stepmother-in-law—has not only survived but reportedly remains strong to this day, as of December 2025. This enduring friendship defies the typical narrative of family separation after a divorce, showcasing a mutual respect and deep connection that predates the marriage itself.

The intense public interest in "Kelly Clarkson mother in law" stems from the fact that this relationship involves two of the biggest names in music and a messy, high-stakes divorce. While Kelly Clarkson is now officially divorced and does not have a current mother-in-law, the figure everyone searches for is Reba McEntire, the woman who became family through marriage to Brandon Blackstock, the son of Reba's ex-husband, Narvel Blackstock. The latest updates reveal a continued professional and personal admiration between the two powerhouse vocalists.

Reba McEntire: The Legendary Former Stepmother-in-Law Profile

Reba Nell McEntire is a globally recognized American country music singer, actress, and businesswoman. Her connection to Kelly Clarkson is through her former marriage to Narvel Blackstock, Brandon Blackstock's father, which made Reba Kelly's stepmother-in-law.

  • Full Name: Reba Nell McEntire
  • Date of Birth: March 28, 1955
  • Place of Birth: McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
  • Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Record Producer
  • Key Nicknames: The Queen of Country
  • First Marriage: Charlie Battles (m. 1976; div. 1987)
  • Second Marriage: Narvel Blackstock (m. 1989; div. 2015)
  • Children: Shelby Blackstock (with Narvel Blackstock)
  • Connection to Kelly Clarkson: Reba was married to Narvel Blackstock, who is Brandon Blackstock's father. This made Reba Kelly's stepmother-in-law from 2013 until Kelly's divorce was finalized in 2022.
  • Notable Achievements: Over 75 million records sold worldwide, multiple Grammy Awards, and a successful acting career, including the sitcom Reba.

1. The Relationship Defied the Divorce Drama: A Bond That Predates Marriage

One of the most surprising aspects of this family dynamic is how Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire’s friendship managed to navigate the turbulent waters of Kelly’s divorce from Brandon Blackstock. The legal battle, which included disputes over property, finances, and a challenge to their prenuptial agreement, was notoriously contentious.

However, Kelly Clarkson has repeatedly confirmed that her bond with Reba was "not at all" affected by the split. Their connection is rooted in a mutual respect for each other’s artistry and a shared history in the country music world that began long before Kelly married Brandon in 2013. Kelly has often cited Reba as a hero and a mentor, even referring to her as a "mentor" and a "special person" in her life.

Reba McEntire, too, has spoken out, urging the public to show compassion for both Kelly and Brandon as they navigated the difficult divorce process. This unified, compassionate front from both women underscored their commitment to a relationship that transcended the Blackstock family drama.

2. They Are Frequent Collaborators, Not Just In-Laws

The professional relationship between Kelly and Reba is extensive and serves as a powerful foundation for their personal friendship. They are not merely two celebrities who ended up as in-laws; they are genuine musical collaborators. This shared professional space likely made it easier for their personal connection to endure after the divorce from Brandon Blackstock.

Key musical collaborations include:

  • "Because of You" (2007): They famously recorded a duet version of Kelly Clarkson’s hit song, which was a major success and showcased their vocal compatibility. This collaboration was a pivotal moment in solidifying their public and private bond.
  • "Softly and Tenderly" (2017): They collaborated again on this track for Reba’s gospel album, Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, alongside Trisha Yearwood.
  • Live Performances: The two have performed together numerous times at high-profile events, including the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs) and the Grammy Awards, often celebrating their shared love for country music.

This history of working together on emotionally resonant music speaks volumes about the depth of their respect for one another, a respect that the divorce could not erase.

3. The Divorce Settlement Details and Narvel Blackstock's Role

To fully understand the context of the "mother-in-law" dynamic, one must look at the Blackstock family structure. Reba McEntire was married to Narvel Blackstock, a music manager, from 1989 until their divorce in 2015. Narvel is Brandon Blackstock's father from a previous marriage. This makes Reba Brandon’s stepmother, and thus Kelly’s former stepmother-in-law.

The divorce between Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock was finalized in March 2022, revealing significant financial details that contrast sharply with the enduring friendship with Reba. The settlement mandated that Kelly pay Brandon a substantial one-time lump sum of $1,326,161. Furthermore, she was ordered to pay $115,000 per month in spousal support until January 2024, in addition to $45,000 monthly for child support for their two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander. The judge, however, upheld the validity of the couple's prenuptial agreement, which was a major win for Clarkson.

The fact that Reba maintained a connection with Kelly despite the financial and legal battles involving her former stepson and ex-husband (Narvel Blackstock was also Kelly's former manager) is a testament to the strength of her character and her genuine fondness for Kelly.

4. Reba McEntire’s Continued Presence on The Kelly Clarkson Show

Even after the divorce, Reba McEntire has continued to be a welcome and frequent guest on *The Kelly Clarkson Show*. This is perhaps the most visible and recent evidence of their ongoing, positive relationship. Reba’s appearances are always met with warmth and genuine affection, often involving impromptu duets and heartfelt conversations.

Their continued professional interaction, especially in the high-profile setting of a daytime talk show, sends a clear message to the public and to the Blackstock family that their bond is professional, personal, and fundamentally separate from the dissolution of Kelly's marriage. It showcases a mature ability to separate personal heartbreak from a cherished friendship and professional partnership.

5. The Mentor-Protégé Dynamic: More Than Just Family

The foundation of Kelly and Reba’s relationship has always been a mentor-protégé dynamic. Kelly Clarkson has frequently expressed her admiration for Reba, stating that she grew up listening to the country icon. Reba, in turn, has often spoken about her pride in Kelly’s career achievements, from winning *American Idol* to her success as a talk show host and coach on *The Voice*.

This enduring relationship highlights a crucial lesson: that chosen family and deep, professional respect can often outweigh the obligations of a family connection created by marriage. For Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire was a hero first, a stepmother-in-law second, and remains a dear friend and collaborator today. Their unbreakable bond serves as a powerful, positive counterpoint to the negative headlines surrounding the Brandon Blackstock divorce, proving that some relationships are simply too valuable to lose.

kelly clarkson mother in law
kelly clarkson mother in law

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