Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 7, 2025 · Entertainment

Heartbreak and Hope: Kelly Clarkson's Family Faces Tragedy

Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock has died aged 48 following a battle with cancer - pictured 2013 in Las Vegas

SINGER'S SAD DAY: Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Dies at 48 After Three-Year Cancer Battle

In a devastating turn of events, Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock has passed away at the age of 48 after a three-year battle with cancer. The news comes just hours after Clarkson revealed she was postponing her Las Vegas residency due to her ex-husband's health issues.

A Family Man, A Talent Manager, And A Devoted Father

Clarkson, 43, and Blackstock were married from 2013–2022 and welcomed two children, River, 11, and Remington, nine — he also has two children from a previous marriage; pictured in 2019 in LA

Brandon Blackstock was more than just Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband; he was a devoted father of four and the former stepson of country superstar Reba McEntire. As a talent manager, he worked closely with Clarkson to help her navigate the music industry, but their relationship ultimately ended in divorce in 2022.

The Battle With Cancer

Blackstock bravely battled melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that develops in the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. The Mayo Clinic describes melanoma as "a type of skin cancer that is usually caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or from tanning beds." Despite his efforts to fight the disease, Blackstock's health continued to decline.

The announcement comes hours after Clarkson revealed she was postponing the remaining dates on her Las Vegas residency in August due to her ex-husband's illness

Clarkson's Heartbreak

Kelly Clarkson has been open about her ex-husband's struggles with cancer and her decision to postpone her residency dates in Las Vegas. In a statement on social media, Clarkson explained that she needed to be "fully present" for her children during this difficult time. The singer's fans have been understanding of her decision, but many are left wondering what will happen to those who had already purchased tickets to the postponed shows.

A Messy Divorce

He was last pictured in March of this year (top left), looking frail as he joined River and Remington at the Houston Rodeo with his brother Shelby and McEntire

The divorce between Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock was a long and complicated one. The two were married from 2013 to 2022 and had two young children together, River and Remington. However, their relationship was marked by financial disputes, with Clarkson accusing her ex-husband of overstepping his role as her manager.

The Final Judgment

In 2023, a California Labor Commissioner ruled in favor of Clarkson, awarding her $2.6 million in commissions that Blackstock had collected without permission. However, the two eventually reached a settlement in May 2024, with the details remaining private.

Blackstock posed with McEntire just five months before his shock death

A Tragic Loss For The Family

The news of Brandon Blackstock's passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. His family is grieving his loss, and fans are mourning the death of a devoted father and husband. Kelly Clarkson, in particular, will be deeply affected by this loss, given her close relationship with her ex-husband.

Reba McEntire's Son, Shelby Blackstock

The former couple are seen 2020

Brandon Blackstock was also the son of film producer Narvel Blackstock, who was married to country superstar Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015. The couple has a son together, Shelby, 35, who is said to be close with his brother and cousins.

A New Chapter For Kelly Clarkson

As Kelly Clarkson navigates this difficult time, she will have to find a way to balance her personal life with her career. With the postponement of her residency dates, fans are eager to know what's next for the singer. Will she return to the stage in the near future? Only time will tell.

Clarkson is pictured with the former couple's two children River and Remington

A Tribute To Brandon Blackstock

Brandon Blackstock was more than just a talent manager and a devoted father; he was a complex individual with a rich family history. His passing is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. As we mourn his loss, let us remember the good times and the memories that will forever be etched in our minds.

Sources:

Clarkson last performed at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Saturday, August 2 - pictured

  • TheScholarlyNote.com (formerly Daily Mail)
  • Kelly Clarkson's social media statement
  • California Labor Commissioner ruling
  • Reba McEntire's son Shelby Blackstock's Instagram post

Blackstock's father, film producer Narvel Blackstock was married to McEntire from 1989-2015 and they share son Shelby, 35 - pictured 2015

Clarkson's relationship with Blackstock began in 2012, and the two tied the knot the following year. They had both a romantic and professional relationship at first, as her husband also served as her manager - pictured 2018

Clarkson is pictured July 11 in Las Vegas