Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and long-time manager, died at the age of 48 after a private battle with cancer that lasted for years. He passed just two days after Clarkson called off her Las Vegas residency because a family member was ailing. The heartbreaking news was initially reported by People magazine. They got an official message from the Blackstock family.
The family’s representative said in a public message, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away.” “Brandon bravely fought cancer for more than three years.” It reports that he died peacefully with family members by his side. “Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.” Please give the family some room during this hard time.
Kelly Clarkson issued a touching message to her fans about the tragedy on August 6. Clarkson, who usually keeps her private life private, revealed that her family has had a hard year. “I usually keep my personal life private, but my kids’ father has been sick for the past year, and right now I need to be there for them,” she stated. “I apologize for canceling shows at the last minute, and I want to thank you all for being so understanding, kind, and gracious.”
Blackstock had four kids: Savannah and Seth from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth, and River Rose, 11, and Remington Alexander, 9, with Clarkson. His daughter Savannah had a son named Lake in 2022. This made him a grandfather. Clarkson has said that she wants to help raise their kids and keep them healthy, even if they got divorced in 2022.
Brandon Blackstock’s family has been in the entertainment business for a long time. Narvel Blackstock, his father, is a well-known music manager who used to be married to country music artist Reba McEntire. Brandon took inherited his father’s job and helped Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton, among other renowned people, with their careers.
In 2006, they met for the first time while getting ready for the Academy of Country Music Awards. At the time, Blackstock was still married to Ashworth, but Clarkson later said she had a strong feeling that he would be in her life one day. She told People, “This person walks by and makes everyone laugh.” I told my friends, “I’m going to be with him.” I just know it.
Years later, they met again at the Super Bowl, and their love grew. In October 2013, they got married in a private ceremony in Tennessee. Blackstock was also Clarkson’s manager and handled a lot of her work while they were married. In 2018, Clarkson told Marie Claire that she was still delighted with her choice to work with her husband. “I wouldn’t have hired Brandon to be my manager if I hadn’t seen how good he is at it and how much he cares about Blake [Shelton],” she said. “I would have hired Brandon if Blake’s career hadn’t taken off.” He has a distinct style of thinking and is very successful at what he does.
Blackstock was often in the backdrop of their marriage. He didn’t talk much in public, but he helped a lot of pop and country stars get their start. People who worked with him said he was knowledgeable, paid attention to details, and really cared about the people he worked for.
But the couple’s marriage ended in 2022 after a long and very public divorce. Clarkson stated they had “irreconcilable differences,” and the divorce led to disputes over property, child custody, and spousal support. The breakup was terrible for both sides, but they both worked hard to raise their kids together and keep them out of the news.
Blackstock had been secretly seeking treatment for melanoma, a very serious and deadly type of skin cancer, for three and a half years, according to TMZ. No one knew what kind of illness he had until he died.
Clarkson fans have noticed that she hasn’t been on The Kelly Clarkson Show as much lately, which has made some people think she might be leaving the show. Some people thought she stopped going out in public because she was sick, but today it’s clear that Blackstock’s health issues and how they affected her family were major reasons why she stopped going out and concentrated on her kids.
People knew Brandon Blackstock, but they didn’t know him very well. He was friends with some of the most famous musicians in the world, but when he wasn’t on stage, he stayed out of the public glare. He was a parent, grandpa, husband, and boss, and he had a lasting impact on both his family and the careers he helped shape.
His death is a loss for his family and friends, but it’s also a time for the music industry and fans who followed his journey with Clarkson to think about what he meant to them. Even if they have had public fights and conflicts, many are still warmly remembering their love and history.
Brandon Blackstock’s children, his music, and the memories of people who loved him will keep his memory alive. Rest in peace.
