Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Dies At 48

Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager known as the ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson and former stepson of country star Reba McEntire, has died at the age of 48 after battling cancer for over three years.

A representative for his family confirmed the news to PEOPLE, saying Blackstock “passed away peacefully, surrounded by family,” and thanked the public for their thoughts and prayers while asking for privacy during this difficult time.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,” the statement reads.

“He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

On August 6, Kelly Clarkson revealed that Blackstock had been seriously ill, announcing she was postponing her Las Vegas residency to focus on their children, River, 11, and Remington, 9.

The singer told fans she needed to be “fully present” for them and expressed gratitude for their kindness and understanding.

“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them,” she wrote in a statement.

Blackstock also had two older children from a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth. He became a grandfather in 2022 when Savannah welcomed a son, Lake.

In March 2024, he was photographed with River and Remington at the Houston Rodeo, joined by his brother Shelby and Shelby’s mother, Reba McEntire. McEntire was married to Blackstock’s father, music manager Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015.

Blackstock first met Clarkson in 2006 at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards, when he was still married to his first wife, Melissa Ashworth.

Years later, they reconnected at the Super Bowl and married in October 2013. Clarkson said her 2015 song “Piece By Piece” was inspired by the security she felt in their relationship.

After their wedding, Blackstock who also managed Blake Shelton, took over as Clarkson’s manager. In 2018, she praised his talent, saying she had seen firsthand how dedicated he was to his clients.

The marriage ended when Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, with the split finalized in 2022.

Reflecting on it in 2023, Clarkson said it was not a decision made overnight and that she had hoped the marriage would be “everything it possibly could be,” but it ultimately didn’t work out.

Brandon Blackstock is survived by his children Seth, Remington, Savannah, and River; grandson Lake; his father Narvel; mother Elisa Gayle Ritter; and siblings Shelby, Shawna, and Chassidy.

KanyiDaily recalls that Hollywood Actress, Kelley Mack, best known for her role as Addy in Season 9 of The Walking Dead, recently died at the age of 33.