Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, dead at 48 after cancer battle

Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband as well as Reba McEntire’s stepson, has died at 48 after a battle with cancer.

Blackstock’s family confirmed the death in a statement to USA TODAY on Thursday, Aug. 7.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the statement read.

The news comes one day after Clarkson, 43, announced on social media that the August dates of her Las Vegas residency will be postponed while she tends to her family.

USA TODAY has reached out to Clarkson’s reps for comment.

Kelly Clarkson says ex-husband is ill, postpones Vegas residency dates

Brandon Blackstock’s cancer battle

Blackstock “bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,” the family statement said.

The statement continued: “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

Blackstock was the first-ever “American Idol” winner’s longtime manager. Blackstock and Clarkson tied the knot Oct. 20 at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee, the genre-bending pop star later tweeting about their nuptials.

Country superstar Reba was married to Blackstock’s father, Narvel Blackstock, for 26 years. In addition to Clarkson, he also helped manage clients with his dad including genre superstars Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce.

When did Kelly Clarkson get divorced?

The couple wed in 2013, and their divorce was finalized in March 2022. The details of the divorce repeatedly made headlines until it was settled. Clarkson was awarded primary custody of the children in November 2020.

Clarkson and Blackstock share daughter River Rose, 11, and son Remy Alexander, 9. He also had another son Seth and daughter Savannah.

Since his divorce took over the tabloids five years ago, Blackstock retreated to Bozeman, Montana, and founded Valley View Rodeo.

In 2023, Clarkson addressed her divorce from Blackstock during an interview with USA TODAY and her “anger” stemming from their split.

“I was very, very angry. I know a lot of people have gone through grief or a big tragedy like a divorce and I know it’s a common thing, unfortunately,” Clarkson said. “But there’s nothing common when you’re going through it.

“It’s very foreign, it’s horrible. A lot of time stupid, stupid (stuff) gets said and you just can’t believe it. I was angry and really hurt,” she added.

Blackstock’s death comes after Clarkson on Wednesday, Aug. 6, announced she would be stepping away from her Vegas residency amid his illness.

“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 about her Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Clarkson apologized to ticketholders, adding, “I appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”

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In the spring, the “Since U Been Gone” singer was also absent intermittently from “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” though she didn’t explain the absence in detail.