Kelly Clarkson’s Ex–Husband Brandon Blackstock Dies At 48 Amid Cancer Battle
Brandon Blackstock, the former talent manager and ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has died after a long battle with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. He was 48.
Brandon passed away peacefully at his home in Butte, Montana, on August 7, surrounded by family, according to Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis. His death was ruled as natural causes.
The heartbreaking news came just a day after Kelly revealed to fans that Brandon had been ill and she would be postponing the rest of her August Las Vegas residency shows to focus on caring for their children, 11-year-old River and 9-year-old Remington. “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,” she wrote in a message to her fans. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
Brandon had been fighting cancer for more than three years. In a statement released by his family, they said he passed “peacefully” and thanked the public for their thoughts and prayers while asking for privacy.
Kelly and Brandon divorced in 2022, but sources say she remained deeply concerned for him because of their kids. “When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” one source shared, adding that she has been “devastated” for the children throughout his illness.
In past interviews, Kelly opened up about how much she prioritizes her kids’ emotional well-being. She has spoken about asking them nightly if they are happy and encouraging them to share their true feelings. As she once shared: “I ask my kids every night when we’re snuggling and I put them to bed, ‘Are you happy? And if you’re not, what could make you happier?’ Especially the past two years … it kills me [but] I want them to be honest so I don’t ever say, ‘Oh God, don’t tell me that,’ but a lot of times it would be like, ‘I’m just really sad. I wish Mommy and Daddy were in the same house.’ They’re really honest about it. I’m raising that kind of individual.”
Brandon leaves behind his children: sons Seth and Remington, daughters Savannah and River, as well as his grandson Lake, father Narvel Blackstock, mother Elisa Gayle Ritter and siblings Shelby, Shawna and Chassidy.
