Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband, Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle
The family of Brandon Blackstock, former talent manager and ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, announced his death at age 48 following a more than three-year battle with cancer.
The Blackstock family shared the news in a statement, noting that he “bravely battled cancer for more than three years” and passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. They requested privacy during this difficult time and expressed gratitude for thoughts and prayers.
A Career in Music Management and Production
Brandon Blackstock was a prominent figure in the country music industry, known for managing the careers of several high-profile artists. Beyond his personal connection to Clarkson, he also represented Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts. According to IMDb, Blackstock held a producer credit on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and the television special “Blake Shelton Live: It’s All About Tonight.”
The announcement of Blackstock’s passing came shortly after Clarkson, 43, announced the postponement of her August “Studio Sessions” shows at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. In a statement released on August 6, Clarkson explained the decision was made to allow her to be fully present for her children during her ex-husband’s illness. “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 on Instagram.
Family Legacy and Personal Life
Blackstock’s father, Narvel Blackstock, is a well-respected talent manager and the founder of Starstruck Entertainment, established in 1988. Narvel was previously married to country music icon Reba McEntire, making her Brandon Blackstock’s stepmother. McEntire expressed her love and support for both Blackstock and Clarkson following their separation, stating, “Brandon’s been my son forever it seems. Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total — my blood, so I’m praying for ‘em both ‘cause I love ‘em both.”
Clarkson and Blackstock married in 2013 and separated in 2020, finalizing their divorce two years later. They share two children: daughter River Rose, born in 2014, and son Remington Alexander, born in 2016. Blackstock also had two children from a previous marriage, Seth Blackstock and Savannah Blackstock.
When filing for divorce, Clarkson cited “irreconcilable differences.” In a 2024 interview with People magazine, she spoke about the emotional toll of the divorce and the importance of music as a coping mechanism. “I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet. Because the level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving is extraordinarily hard. You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming.”
Clarkson currently resides in New York City with her children, where she continues to host her popular daytime talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” The loss of Brandon Blackstock marks a somber moment for all those who knew him, leaving behind a legacy in the music industry and a family mourning his passing.
