KELLY Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock moved onto a $1.7 million Montana ranch in the final years before his tragic death at just 48, The U.S. Sun can report.

After his bitter divorce from talk show host and pop star Kelly, 43, Brandon left Los Angeles and his music manager career behind and settled into the life of a rancher in Montana.

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Kelly Clarkson and ex Brandon Blackstock arrived for the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington on January 21, 2013Credit: AP

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Kelly and Brandon attended the 2018 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in NashvilleCredit: Getty

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Brandon held his grandson on his Montana ranch in daughter Savannah’s Facebook photos posted in JulyCredit: Facebook

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Savannah has called dad Brandon her ‘favorite person’Credit: Facebook

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Brandon moved into a $1.7 million Montana ranch in 2022Credit: Google Earth

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Brandon completely left his Hollywood career behindCredit: Social Media – Refer to source
According to real estate records, Brandon bought the four-bedroom, three-bath Butte ranch in April 2022 for $1.8 million.

The home sits on over 41 acres, and was described as “very private and serene” by the listing agents.

The property also boasts massive ceilings and panoramic mountain views.

From the property, Brandon operated his ranching company, V Bar V Cattle Co. and Valley View Livestock.

He also founded Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman.

In the weeks before his death, Brandon’s oldest daughter Savannah, 23, visited the ranch and shared candid family photos.

Brandon was dad to River, 11, and Remington, 9, his kids with Kelly, and Savannah and Seth, his children with first wife, Melissa Ashworth. (He was also a grandpa to Savannah’s son, and had one more grandchild on the way when he died.)

After the divorce, the manager-turned-rancher originally lived on Kelly’s massive $10 million Montana ranch, called Vintage Valley.

However, after an extensive court battle, Kelly ultimately won the expansive 6300-acre property, and Brandon moved out.

Kelly originally filed for divorce in June 2020, and the split was finalized two years later after disagreements over money and property.

Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock seen beaming with family at rodeo just months before death at 48

LIFE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Before Brandon’s retreat to the country, he was a big-time music manager alongside his famous dad, Narvel. (Brandon’s stepmother was Reba McEntire, and the two remained close after Reba and Narvel’s divorce in 2015.)

He worked with Blake Shelton and other country stars.

Brandon was also a TV producer, and worked on The Kelly Clarkson Show before his split from the famous host.

He also attended Hollywood red carpets with superstar Kelly.

Brandon became so private, his cancer diagnosis was not publicly known until his shocking death on August 7.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the family announced in a statement on Thursday.

“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. 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.”

Just one day prior, Kelly canceled her August concerts in her Las Vegas residency.

“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,” Kelly told fans.

She had quietly taken time off from her daytime talk show earlier in the year to support her kids during her ex’s illness.

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Brandon posted with former stepmother Reba McEntire and family members just months before his deathCredit: Instagram/shelbyblackstock

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Brandon loved on Kelly’s Vintage Valley ranch until she won the property in their bitter divorceCredit: Instagram/vintagevalleyranch

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Brandon worked as a rancher and rodeo producer in his final yearsCredit: Vintage Valley Ranch/Instagram

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Brandon and Kelly attended a 2018 event just two years before their splitCredit: Alamy