Just hours before wrapping up Season 28 of The Voice, Reba McEntire took to social media to wish her late stepson, Brandon Blackstock, a happy birthday.

The country legend’s December 16 Instagram post contained a beautiful family photo featuring mom and son. Blackstock passed away on August 7, 2025, after a battle with skin cancer. He was 48 years old and left behind two children with his ex-wife Kelly Clarkson. McEntire’s sweet message to her son said it all. He would’ve been 49 years old on December 16:

“Happy birthday Brandon!  We love and miss you a bunch. ❤️❤️❤️,” the star wrote in a caption.

Losing a child is difficult for any parent, and the Happy’s Place star has been open about her grief, often sharing vintage photos of Blackstock on social media. In an August 12 Instagram post, McEntire penned a tribute to her late son, telling fans he “went home to be with God.”

“Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God,” she wrote alongside photos of Blackstock. “His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence. There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”

She later opened up about her loss to People in October.

“My relationship with my stepson, Brandon Blackstock, was precious,” she said. “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.”

She continued, “Along with his mom and dad, I helped raise him, along with [step kids] Shawna and Chassidy. They were my kids.”

Shortly after sharing her tribute on social media, the Queen of Country was on the set of The Voice for the Season 28 Live Finale.

Although she didn’t win Season 28 — that honor went to Niall Horan and his Artist, Aiden Ross — McEntire did take the stage for multiple live performances, including McEntire singing “Mary, Did You Know?” with her Top 6 Finalist Aubrey Nicole, and joining DEK of Hearts for a spirited rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”

The end of Season 28 is still fresh in our minds, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start looking forward to what’s next.

The 29th season of The Voice — titled The Voice: Battle of Champions — premieres Monday, February 23, 2026, at 9/8c on NBC. Legendary Coaches Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend are set to return to their Coach Chairs as they battle for supremacy once again.