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Reba McEntire teared up as she remembered her late stepson, Brandon Blackstock, on The Voice.
During the latest episode of season 28 of the NBC singing competition show, which aired on Monday, Oct. 27, coach McEntire, 70, mentioned Blackstock, who died on Aug. 7 at age 48 after being diagnosed with cancer.
Team Reba artist Aubrey Nicole belted out an incredible rendition of Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” during Monday’s Knockouts.
The song is about a couple facing a cancer diagnosis, and the contestant paid tribute to her father, who was previously diagnosed with the disease but is now in remission, with the performance, according to NBC News.
After coach Snoop Dogg, 54, said he was moved by the cover but didn’t know the song, McEntire added, “I do know this song. Martina’s — I’ll need it, thank you, Snoop,” as Snoop handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes, per the outlet.
“Martina’s a good friend of mine. I lost my oldest son because he did not win with cancer,” McEntire — who was previously married to Brandon’s father Narvel Blackstock from 1989 until 2015 — continued.
“That was a real reminder that life goes on, and we sing songs about it so we can remember the ones around us that we love so much, that we lean on at times like this. You did a great job,” McEntire shared, according to NBC News.
PEOPLE confirmed that Blackstock had died on Aug. 7, one day after his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, revealed he had been ill. Blackstock’s cause of death revealed he died of melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
While speaking to PEOPLE earlier this month, McEntire said her relationship with her stepson Blackstock had been “precious.”
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She shared, “I absolutely loved that child. He came into my life, I guess he was 4 years old. Then when Narvel and I got married, he was 13, 14.”
“Along with his mom and dad, I helped raise him, along with [stepkids] Shawna and Chassidy. They were my kids,” McEntire continued.
Recalling what he was like at home, the Happy’s Place star said the late talent manager was “so funny” and loved to “pull pranks.”
“He loved to scare people,” McEntire remembered. “We’d be at the office there at Starstruck [which was owned by Narvel] in Nashville and I’d be sitting at my desk and I’d see Penny Chubb [a Starstruck Entertainment employee] walk by going to the lady’s room, and then here comes Brandon. He’d hide behind the pillar.”
The country singer added, “Brandon is sorely missed, truly missed with his mischievousness and his love of life. He brought joy to everybody that met him, and we’ll never forget him.”
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The comments came after a rep for Blackstock shared a statement with PEOPLE on the day of his death.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a rep for the family said at the time. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
The Voice airs on NBC on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. All episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock.
