Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock | Source: Getty Images
The Hollywood talent manager with ties to major entertainment figures has died after a prolonged health struggle.
Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, died on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at age 48 after a more than three-year battle with cancer, an illness that had previously prompted the singer to move several high-profile concert dates.
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock attend the STX Films World Premiere of “UglyDolls” at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on April 27, 2019, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In a statement to People, the family announced the news of his passing and spoke about his courage while dealing with the disease.
“He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” they added.
Kelly Clarkson, Brandon, Seth, Remington Alexander, Savannah, and River Rose Blackstock during the “UglyDolls” world premiere at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on April 27, 2019, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Just a day earlier, his ex-wife had revealed the news of his illness with a post on Instagram, adding that she would be postponing her Las Vegas residency to spend time with their children, 11-year-old River Blackstock, and nine-year-old Remington Blackstock. She apologized to all her fans for the decision and hoped for their “kindness and understanding.”
Aside from his kids with Kelly, Brandon had two other children, Savannah and Seth Blackstock, from a previous marriage. He had also become a grandfather three years ago.
Additionally, country singer and actress Reba McEntire was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, until 2015. He had been Kelly’s manager in the 2000s.
Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock at Rainbow Room on June 30, 1993, in New York | Source: Getty Images
The “Since You’ve Been Gone” singer and Brandon first met in May 2006, during rehearsals for the Academy of Country Music Awards. He was still married to Melissa Ashworth at that time.
In an interview with People in 2013, Kelly confessed that when he walked in and made everyone laugh, she knew he was going to “end up with him.”
Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson during the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020, in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images
After Brandon’s divorce, they reconnected at a Super Bowl and got engaged in 2012. Kelly announced the news on her X account, calling Brandon “the greatest man ever.” The couple walked down the aisle in October 2013 on a farm in Tennessee.
Kelly even wrote her song “Piece By Piece” about her new husband and the stability he offered her after her troubled relationship with her father. Following their marriage, her husband took on the role of her manager. He also represented Blake Shelton during that period.
Sadly, the singer filed for divorce in 2020 after seven years of marriage. The court documents obtained by People cited “irreconcilable differences.” Their separation was finalized two years later.
Reba McEntire, John Esposito, Blake Shelton, Brandon Blackstock, and Kelly Clarkson attend the Warner Music Group Grammy Celebration hosted by InStyle at Chateau Marmont on February 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In 2023, Kelly addressed her separation and the public’s perception of high-profile breakups. She clarified that the decision to split was not made suddenly. Instead, she had hoped to create a beautiful life with her partner, but ultimately, it didn’t work out as she had planned.