Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Tribute to Brandon Blackstock: Remembering Kelly Clarkson's Late Ex-Husband

EXCLUSIVE: Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Passes Away at 48

In a shocking turn of events, Brandon Blackstock, ex-husband of American Idol star Kelly Clarkson, has left this world behind at the young age of 48. The news of his passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from his loved ones and fans alike.

A Father's Legacy Lives On

Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock was saluted in an emotional tribute shared by his son Seth, 19, over the weekend, just days after his death at 48 from cancer

Brandon's son, Seth, paid a heart-wrenching tribute to his late father on social media, sharing a collection of photos showcasing their cherished memories together. "I lost my hero yesterday," Seth wrote, his words dripping with emotion. "Words can't describe how proud I am of you for raising me and your three other kids." He went on to express his gratitude for the time they shared, stating, "You were a father, a son, a brother, and most importantly, my best friend."

The photos posted by Seth took fans back in time, revealing snapshots of their happy moments together. One photo showed Brandon beaming with pride as he held a young Seth on his shoulders, while another captured the two of them riding horses side-by-side. It was clear that Brandon's love for the outdoors and his passion for rodeo competitions were deeply ingrained.

A Mother's Tribute

Prior to his marriage to Kelly Clarkson, which lasted from 2013 to 2022, Blackstock was married to Melissa Ashworth, with whom he shared two children: Savannah, 23, and Seth; pictured in 2020 in Santa Monica, Calif.

Brandon's first wife, Melissa Ashworth, also paid her respects to her late ex-husband in a heartfelt post on social media. Sharing a photo of the couple from their wedding day, she wrote: "On May 29, 1999, I married the man who would become the father of my children. Brandon was full of charm, wit, and just an absolute gentleman... He loved hard and he fought hard." She went on to express her gratitude for the time they shared as a family, stating that their children, Savannah, Seth, and the grandchildren, were the "best parts" of who Brandon and she are.

The Complicated History Between Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock

Kelly Clarkson's relationship with Brandon was filled with ups and downs. The two began dating in 2012, got married the following year, and had a whirlwind romance that included both romantic and professional undertones. However, their marriage eventually came to an end when Kelly filed for divorce in June 2020 on grounds of irreconcilable differences.

'I lost my hero yesterday, words can't describe how proud of you I am on raising me and your 3 other kids,' Seth wrote in his caption.

Their messy divorce was highly publicized, with both parties engaging in a series of lawsuits over finances and commission fees. In the end, Kelly emerged victorious, winning a $2.6 million judgment against her ex-husband in March 2023. Although they eventually reached a settlement in May 2024, the details remain private.

Kelly Clarkson's Recent Absence From Her Talk Show

Just weeks before Brandon's passing, Kelly Clarkson was mysteriously absent from her eponymous talk show for multiple weeks, missing 10 shows in total. While she didn't explicitly state the reason for her absence at the time, she did complain about the show's demanding schedule on stage in May, stating that it kept her from touring as much as she wanted to.

One photo, from when Seth appeared to be a toddler, showed him grinning ear-to-her as his father beamed proudly behind him

The Legacy of Brandon Blackstock Lives On

Brandon may be gone, but his legacy lives on through his children and loved ones. As Kelly Clarkson took to social media to pay her respects to her late ex-husband, fans couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness wash over them. "My heart is heavy," she wrote. "I'm going to miss him every day." While their relationship may have been complicated, it's clear that both Kelly and Brandon shared a deep love for each other – even if it was at times tumultuous.

The news of Brandon Blackstock's passing serves as a poignant reminder that life is short and precious, and we must cherish the time we have with loved ones. As Seth so eloquently put it: "You'll have to watch me grow up from a bird's-eye view now, but that's okay with me."

Another photo showed Seth a little older as he and his sister Savannah played with their German Shepherd dog and their dad outdoors

Brandon appeared to share his love of life on the ranch with his son, as their were multiple photos of the two tending to livestock and at what looked like rodeo competitions

The two wore similar cowboy hats as they rode horses in other sweet snaps

Blackstock's first wife, Melissa Ashworth, paid her own tribute to her ex-husband in a post from Saturday featuring a photo of her ex with Savannah and her son Lake

'He was by far, hands down, the best Daddy and Pa. He loved hard and he fought hard,' Ashworth wrote while posting a photo with Blackstock from their wedding day

Clarkson is pictured July 11 in Las Vegas