Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson and Talent Manager, Dies After Three-Year Battle with Cancer

Notable figure Brandon Blackstock, a renowned talent manager and former spouse of acclaimed singer Kelly Clarkson, has tragically passed away following a three-year battle with cancer. He was 48 years old.

The Blackstock family’s representative conveyed the sad news to CNN on Thursday in a statement, confirming that Brandon had succumbed to his illness peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. “With deep regret, we announce the passing of Brandon Blackstock,” the statement read. “For over three years, he valiantly fought cancer. We express our gratitude for your sympathies and ask for privacy during this challenging time.”

The announcement comes a day after Clarkson disclosed her decision to suspend the remainder of her Las Vegas residency, citing Blackstock’s deteriorating health as the reason. In an emotional statement posted on her verified Instagram account, Clarkson wrote: “I typically maintain my personal life in secrecy; however, due to my children’s father’s current health condition, I must prioritize being fully present for them.” She expressed her apologies to those who had purchased tickets and thanked them for their understanding and compassion.

Brandon and Clarkson share a daughter, River, born in 2014, and a son, Remington, born in 2016.

Born to Narvel Blackstock, the CEO of Nashville-based talent management firm Starstruck, Brandon was part of a family with deep roots in the music industry. His mother, Elisa Gayle Ritter, is a TV producer and music manager. His parents divorced when he was 12 years old. Narvel Blackstock married country superstar Reba McEntire in 1989, and she played a significant role in raising Brandon. The couple parted ways in 2015 after 26 years of marriage.

Like his parents, Brandon developed an affinity for the music industry, beginning his career as a talent manager. His professional journey intertwined with the music world, leading him to Clarkson. After initially meeting at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006, they reconnected in 2012 during Super Bowl XLVI, where Clarkson performed the national anthem and Blackstock was managing Blake Shelton, who also sang “America the Beautiful” at the event.

The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2013, and Blackstone continued to serve as Clarkson’s manager and a producer on her award-winning daytime talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” After seven years of marriage, Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The couple settled their contentious divorce in 2022, with Clarkson making a one-time payment of $1.3 million and monthly spousal support payments until January 31, 2024, as well as a monthly child support payment.

In 2021, McEntire expressed her support for both Blackstock and Clarkson during an appearance on Extra, stating that she loved them both and was “praying for the encouragement they can receive from everyone because they need it right now.” Both parties have been contacted by CNN for comment.

This story has been updated with additional information.