At 36, Shelby described how his brother’s absence still feels unreal and left a hole in the family. As he prepares to welcome son Archer in October, Shelby recalled how Brandon helped raise him after Narvel Blackstock married Reba McEntire and how that support gave him lasting confidence.
PEOPLE confirmed Brandon died of malignant melanoma on Aug. 7, 2025, one day after his ex-wife Kelly Clarkson disclosed he was ill. The family said he lived with the disease for more than three years and passed away peacefully surrounded by family, asking for privacy.