Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of singer and TV host Kelly Clarkson, has passed away at the age of 48 after a private three-year battle with cancer. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by a family representative to People magazine, who said Blackstock died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Clarkson Paused Vegas Residency to Be With Their Kids
Just weeks before his death, Kelly Clarkson postponed her Las Vegas residency, explaining in a heartfelt social media post that she needed to be fully present for their two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander.
“Though I normally like to keep my personal life private,” she wrote, “this past year, my children’s father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”
Brandon Blackstock’s Career in the Music Industry
Born on December 16, 1976, in Fort Worth, Texas, Brandon Blackstock was well-known in entertainment circles, particularly in country and pop music. He began his career at Starstruck Entertainment, a talent management firm founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock.
Over the years, Brandon worked with major names like Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, and Kelly Clarkson herself. He served as Clarkson’s manager during their marriage and helped manage several top-tier music careers.
From Road Manager to Family Man
According to The Tennessean, Blackstock also worked as a road manager for Rascal Flatts and was deeply involved in the behind-the-scenes world of live touring and artist management.
He met Kelly Clarkson in 2006 during rehearsals for the Academy of Country Music Awards. At the time, he was still married to his first wife, Melissa Ashworth, with whom he shared two children: Savannah and Seth. In 2022, Brandon became a grandfather when Savannah welcomed her son, Lake.
Brandon was also the former stepson of country legend Reba McEntire, who was married to his father Narvel from 1989 to 2015. Despite the divorce, Reba remained close to Brandon and mourned his passing privately.
A High-Profile Relationship With Kelly Clarkson
Brandon and Kelly Clarkson began dating in 2012 and got engaged that same December at their home in Nashville. The couple tied the knot in October 2013 at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee.
Their marriage brought them two children: River, born in 2014, and Remington, born in 2016.
But by 2020, cracks in the relationship became public when Clarkson filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The split was finalized in 2022, following a lengthy and often tense legal process that included a complex custody and financial settlement.
A Quiet Goodbye, a Legacy Remembered
Though their relationship ended in divorce, Brandon’s role as a father and manager left a lasting mark on those around him. Clarkson remained focused on their children and continued to prioritize family, even in the midst of her own busy career.
Brandon Blackstock is remembered not just as Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, but as a devoted dad, grandfather, and respected figure in the music business. He passed away with family by his side and leaves behind four children and one grandchild.
He was 48 years old.