Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and long-time manager, Brandon Blackstock, died at the age of 48 following a private battle with cancer that lasted for years. He died two days after Clarkson canceled her Las Vegas residency because a family member was sick. People magazine was the first to announce the sad news. The Blackstock family sent them an official message.
The family’s spokesperson said in a public message, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away.” “Brandon bravely fought cancer for over three years.” The statement says that he died peacefully with family members around. “Thanks for your prayers and thoughts.” During this difficult moment, please allow the family some space.
On August 6, Kelly Clarkson wrote a moving statement to her followers about the tragedy. Clarkson, who normally keeps her personal life to herself, said that her family has had a rough year. “I usually keep my personal life private, but my kids’ father has been sick for the past year, and right now I need to be there for them,” she said. “I’m sorry for canceling shows at the last minute, and I want to thank you all for being so understanding, kind, and gracious.”
Blackstock had four kids: Savannah and Seth from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth, and River Rose, 11, and Remington Alexander, 9, with Clarkson. Savannah, his daughter, had a boy named Lake in 2022. This made him a grandpa. Clarkson has been saying that she wants to co-parent and help their kids stay healthy, even though they got divorced in 2022.
Brandon Blackstock’s family has been in show industry for a long time. His father, Narvel Blackstock, is a famous music manager who used to be married to country music star Reba McEntire. Brandon took over his father’s job and managed the careers of other famous people, such Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton.
They met for the first time in 2006 while getting ready for the Academy of Country Music Awards. At the time, Blackstock was still married to Ashworth, but Clarkson later said she had a strong sensation that he would be in her life one day. In an interview with People, she said, “This person walks by and makes everyone laugh.” I informed my buddies, “I’m going to be with him.” I just know it.
They met again years later during the Super Bowl, and their love grew. In October 2013, they got married in a private ceremony in Tennessee. Blackstock was also Clarkson’s manager and took care of many parts of her profession when they were married. Clarkson told Marie Claire in 2018 that she was still happy with her decision to work with her spouse. “I wouldn’t have hired Brandon to be my manager if I hadn’t seen how good he is at it and how much he cares about Blake [Shelton],” she stated. “I would have hired Brandon if Blake’s career hadn’t taken off.” He is really good at what he does and has a unique way of thinking.
Blackstock was often in the background during their marriage. He didn’t say much in public, but he helped a number of pop and country stars get their start. People who worked with him said he was smart, paid attention to details, and really cared about the people he worked for.
But the couple’s marriage ended in 2022 following a protracted and very public divorce. Clarkson said they had “irreconcilable differences,” and the divorce led to fights over property, child custody, and spousal support. Both sides had a hard time with the breakup, but they both focused on raising their kids together and keeping them out of the press.
TMZ says that Blackstock had been surreptitiously getting treatment for melanoma, a highly serious and deadly type of skin cancer, for three and a half years. No one knew what kind of sickness he had until he died.
Fans of Clarkson have noted that she hasn’t been on The Kelly Clarkson Show as much lately, which has led to suspicions that she might be leaving the show. Some people thought it was because she was sick, but it’s evident now that Blackstock’s health problems and how they affected her family were key reasons why she stopped coming out in public and focused on her kids.
Brandon Blackstock was well-known yet not well-known at the same time. He was pals with some of the most famous musicians in the world, but when he wasn’t on stage, he stayed out of the public eye. He was a father, grandfather, spouse, and manager, and he had a lasting effect on his family and the careers he helped mold.
His death is a personal loss for his family and friends, but it’s also a time for the music industry and fans who followed his journey with Clarkson to think about what he meant to them. People are fondly remembering their love and past, even when they have had public disputes and disagreements.
Brandon Blackstock’s kids, his music, and the memories of individuals who loved him will keep his memory alive. May he rest in peace.