Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has died at the age of 48 after a prolonged battle with cancer. A family representative confirmed his passing, stating that Blackstock “bravely battled cancer for more than three years” and died peacefully surrounded by family. The statement also requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Blackstock, a talent manager and former stepson of country music star Reba McEntire, was married to Clarkson from 2013 until their divorce was finalized in 2022. The couple shared two children, River, 10, and Remington, 8. Blackstock also had two children from a previous marriage, along with a grandson.
The news comes shortly after Clarkson announced she would postpone the remaining dates of her Las Vegas residency in August to be with her children amid Blackstock’s illness. In a statement shared on social media, Clarkson explained that her ex-husband’s health issues required her to step away from performing so she could “be fully present” for their children.
Clarkson and Blackstock’s relationship began in 2012, blending personal and professional ties, as Blackstock also served as her manager for several years. However, the couple divorced amid reports of irreconcilable differences and lengthy legal disputes over finances and management commissions.
In 2023, Clarkson won a $2.6 million judgment against Blackstock for improperly collecting commissions that should have gone to her talent agents. The two reached a confidential settlement in May 2024, dismissing the lawsuit. Their divorce settlement included child support and spousal payments, joint custody of their children, and agreements about property and assets.
Earlier this year, Clarkson had been absent from her daytime talk show for several weeks amid reports of dissatisfaction with the show and speculation about her future career plans.
The family’s representative thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers and emphasized the need to respect the family’s privacy at this time.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ