Reba McEntire, Son Shelby Remember Late Brandon Blackstock On His Birthday

Reba McEntire shared a family photo in honor of late stepson Brandon Blackstock’s birthday on Tuesday (December 16). Brandon died over the summer after a private battle with cancer that lasted more than three years. He was 48.

“Happy birthday Brandon! We love and miss you a bunch. ❤️❤️❤️,” McEntire, 70, wrote in her Instagram caption as she posted a family photo that included Brandon and the singer’s son, Shelby Blackstock, 35.

“Happy 49th birthday, Brandon,” Shelby wrote in a tribute of his own. “I think about you every day, and it’s still hard to believe you’re gone. This morning felt strange not making that 5am birthday call just to be the first one. You never know how special those moments are until they're gone. I know you’re having the best birthday up there— with an endless supply of Coors Lights & your favorite. Happy birthday. I love you and miss you so much!!!”

McEntire said in an interview with PEOPLE that she had a “precious” bond with Brandon. “I absolutely love that child.” She met Brandon when he was about 4 years old, and went on to marry Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, 69. McEntire was married to Narvel from 1989 to 2015. She told PEOPLE in October that “along with his [Brandon’s] mom and dad, I helped raise him, along with Shawna [Shawna Rene Blackstock] and Chass [Chassidy Celeste Blackstock] and Shelby [Shelby Blackstock]. And they were my kids. And I absolutely love all four of them, and they’re real tight. They’re very close, and Brandon is sorely missed. Truly missed. And with his mischievousness and his love of life, he brought joy to everybody that met him, and we’ll never forget him.”

McEntire said in a tribute days after losing Blackstock in August that “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.”

“Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured,” Shelby wrote in a previous tribute to his brother, in part. “Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son. Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family—funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed. …We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you.” McEntire commented that Shelby's tribute was “very well said.”

Brandon is survived by children Savannah and Seth from a previous marriage, grandson Lake, and children River and Remington, whom he shares with ex-wife Kelly Clarkson. Savannah also announced she’s pregnant with another child.