Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband, Dead At 48

Noted music manager and ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson, Brandon Blackstock has passed away at the age of 48. Coming from a family of powerful talent managers, Brandon met Clarkson through his father, Narvel Blackstock, who was managing Clarkson's career at the time. But Brandon wasn't just a music manager's son, Narvel had also been married to country powerhouse Reba McEntire — making Brandon her stepson.

Outside of managing Clarkson's career for a period of time, Brandon was also in charge of navigating the careers of country stars like Blake Shelton, and was the former tour manager of Rascal Flatts. It was his ability to navigate the music industry that ultimately drew Clarkson to him, with Clarkson telling Marie Claire back in 2018 how impressed she was of how Brandon was handling Shelton's career. "He's really talented at what he does," Clarkson said of Brandon at the time, "his mind really does work in a completely different way."

Whereas the marriage between Clarkson and Brandon ultimately didn't last, with Clarkson never being the same after the divorce, the two were still committed to coparenting their two children together — something that became apparent leading up to Brandon's tragic passing.

Kelly Clarkson had opened up about ex-husband Brandon Blackstock's health issues, however it was never fully discussed what it was that Blackstock was going through. In a statement from the family given to People it was confirmed that, "Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years," however, it was clear that his family came first. "He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family," the statement continues, and this is backed up by the fact that Clarkson had just cancelled a slew of her performances to ensure her children could be with their father.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Clarkson announced she needed "to be fully present" for her children as they navigated their father's illness as a family. While Clarkson's handling of Blackstock's illness might have ruffled fan's feathers, it was ultimately the right thing to do. Brandon is survived by the children he shared with Clarkson, River Blackstock and Remington Blackstock, as well as his children Savannah Blackstock and Seth Blackstock from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth. Brandon is also survived by his grandson, Lake, his father Narvel Blackstock, his siblings Shelby Blackstock, Shawna Blackstock, and Chassidy Blackstock, as well as his stepmother Reba McEntire.