Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Dies at 48 Following Cancer Battle

Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle

Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has passed away at age 48 following a three-year battle with cancer. The talent manager and former stepson of country icon Reba McEntire died peacefully surrounded by family, according to a statement released by his representatives.

Blackstock, who was married to Clarkson from 2013 to 2022, shared two children with the American Idol winner: River, 11, and Remington, 9. He also had two adult children, Savannah, 23, and Seth, 19, from a previous marriage, and a grandson, Lake. His death comes just hours after Clarkson, 43, announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency dates in August to prioritize her family during his illness.

A Devastating Diagnosis
Blackstock had been privately fighting melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer linked to UV exposure. His health struggles became public when Clarkson shared her need to step back from work, writing on social media: “I need to be fully present for my children during this time.”

[Image suggestion: Clarkson and Blackstock at a 2013 Las Vegas event, smiling in formal attire.]
Caption: Clarkson and Blackstock during happier times in 2013.

Family Ties and Final Moments
Blackstock’s last public appearance was in March 2024 at the Houston Rodeo with their children, his brother Shelby, and McEntire, where he appeared frail. Just months earlier, his daughter Savannah announced she was expecting her second child, sharing her gratitude for “answered prayers” in an emotional Instagram post.

[Image suggestion: Blackstock with McEntire and children at the 2024 Houston Rodeo.]
Caption: Blackstock (far left) with Reba McEntire and his children in March 2024.

A Complicated Legacy
Clarkson and Blackstock’s relationship began in 2012, blending romance and professionalism as he initially served as her manager. Their marriage inspired her 2015 song Piece By Piece, which praised Blackstock for providing the stability her father lacked. However, their divorce in 2020 sparked a bitter legal battle over finances. Clarkson later won a $2.6 million judgment against him for improperly collected commissions, though the pair settled privately in May 2024.

[Image suggestion: Clarkson performing onstage during her Vegas residency.]
Caption: Clarkson last performed in Las Vegas on August 2 before postponing shows.

Co-Parenting Through Conflict
Despite their rocky split, the exes shared joint custody of their children, with Clarkson primary residing in Los Angeles and Blackstock in Montana. Their divorce settlement included monthly child support payments and a $1.3 million lump sum to Blackstock, alongside spousal support that ended in 2023. Clarkson retained custody of family pets, while Blackstock kept ranch animals and vehicles.

[Image suggestion: Clarkson with River and Remington at a 2022 event.]
Caption: Clarkson with children River and Remington in 2022.

Clarkson’s Reflections on Love and Loss
Earlier this year, Clarkson opened up about her skepticism toward marriage, citing her family’s history of divorce. “Love is not forever,” she told People, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when relationships become unhealthy. Her candid remarks followed a mysterious 10-episode absence from The Kelly Clarkson Show, which she later attributed to exhaustion from her hectic schedule.

[Image suggestion: Clarkson on her talk show in 2024.]
Caption: Clarkson returned to her talk show after a brief hiatus earlier this year.

A Family’s Request for Privacy
As loved ones mourn, the family has asked for privacy. Clarkson’s dedication to her children remains unwavering, echoing her earlier statement: “His kindness in this season has left us in awe.”

Blackstock’s death marks the end of a tumultuous chapter, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and complex love—a story Clarkson once described as “hard,” but one that taught her growth through adversity.

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