Brandon Blackstock, a well-known talent manager and former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 48.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by a family representative, who shared:
“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. We ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Blackstock’s death marks the end of a public life that often made headlines — both for his high-profile marriage and the messy divorce that followed.
From Entertainment Royalty to a Quiet Life in Montana
Born December 16, 1976, in Fort Worth, Texas, Brandon was the son of music executive Narvel Blackstock and TV producer Elisa Gayle Ritter. When his father married country superstar Reba McEntire in 1989, Brandon became her stepson, gaining exposure to the entertainment world early on.
He would go on to work with top country acts including Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts, serving as a talent manager under his father’s company, Starstruck Entertainment.
Brandon met Kelly Clarkson in 2006, and the couple eventually married in October 2013. Together, they had two children: River Rose and Remington Alexander. Brandon also had two older children, Savannah and Seth, from his previous marriage.
A Divorce That Played Out in the Public Eye
Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The split was finalized in March 2022, but the fallout lasted years.
Blackstock was ordered to pay back $2.6 million for deals ruled illegal by a labor commissioner. Meanwhile, Clarkson was awarded primary custody of their children and was paying Brandon over $150,000 per month in spousal support, which ended in January 2024.
After stepping back from show business, Brandon embraced a new life in Montana, launching Valley View Rodeo with former Clarkson assistant Brittany Jones.
The Cancer Battle He Fought in Silence
While his personal life played out publicly, Brandon kept his cancer diagnosis largely private. Sources close to the family say he fought “with strength and grace,” never losing hope despite the aggressive nature of the illness.
Although the exact type of cancer has not been disclosed publicly, it is known that he was undergoing treatment for over three years.
Clarkson Yet to Release Statement
As of now, Kelly Clarkson has not issued a public comment on her ex-husband’s passing. The two shared a complicated history, but insiders say they remained respectful for the sake of their children.
Brandon Blackstock leaves behind four children, a legacy in music, and a life remembered by those closest to him for his dedication, resilience, and love for family.