Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock dies at 48 after battling cancer

Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and talent manager, has passed away from cancer, his family announced Thursday. He was 48 years old.

“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,” a representative for the Blackstock family told The Associated Press. “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.”

The news was first reported by People magazine. On Wednesday, Clarkson shared on Instagram that she was postponing her “Studio Session” concerts in Las Vegas, writing, “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.”

Blackstock was a father to four children, including Savannah and Seth from a previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth, and two younger children with Clarkson, River and Remington. In 2022, he became a grandfather when Savannah had a son named Lake.

Blackstock and Clarkson met in 2006 during a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards. They reconnected at a Super Bowl in 2012 and began dating, marrying in October 2013. Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting that she not be required to pay spousal support. The divorce, which referenced a prenuptial agreement and asked for Clarkson’s legal last name to be restored, was finalised in 2022. In 2024, the former couple settled lawsuits involving claims that Blackstock had overcharged Clarkson millions of dollars while managing her career during their marriage.

Brandon Blackstock also managed artists such as Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts. He started his career at Starstruck Entertainment, founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock. Narvel was previously married to country music legend Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015 and is the father of Blackstock’s brother Shelby.

Before Brandon took over as Kelly Clarkson’s manager, Narvel Blackstock had managed her career.

(With inputs from AP)