Overview
- In a PEOPLE interview published Oct. 21, McEntire called her bond with Brandon "precious" and recalled helping raise him from childhood.
- She described his playful streak at home and work, including pranks and jump-scares at the Starstruck office in Nashville.
- A family statement in August said Blackstock battled cancer for more than three years and requested privacy during their grief.
- PEOPLE confirmed the cause of death as malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, following the Aug. 7 passing at age 48.
- Relatives have been leaning on one another, with McEntire noting in September that Brandon’s children were supporting each other and taking it day by day.