Brandon Blackstock, former spouse of Kelly Clarkson, succumbs to cancer at the age of 48.
Brandon Blackstock, a prominent figure in the country music industry, passed away in August 2025 after a three-year battle with cancer [1][2]. Known for his work as a talent manager, Blackstock built his career managing some of the biggest names in country music, including Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.
Blackstock's journey in the music industry began at Starstruck Entertainment, a company founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock [1]. Before managing Kelly Clarkson, he was already an established name, having worked with artists like Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton [1][2]. It was during a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006 that he met Kelly Clarkson, a meeting that would later lead to a professional partnership [1][2].
Narvel Blackstock, a country music legend in his own right, was previously married to Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015 [3]. He is also the father of Brandon Blackstock and Shelby Blackstock [3]. Brandon started his career at Starstruck Entertainment, the company his father founded, and eventually took over the management of Kelly Clarkson's career [1].
Blackstock's work with Blake Shelton significantly shaped his reputation in the industry [1]. He also managed artists like Carly Pearce [1]. In addition to management, Blackstock served as an executive producer on The Kelly Clarkson Show from its inception until their separation in 2020 [1][3].
Clarkson noted that seeing Blackstock's work with Shelton convinced her to let him manage her career [1]. The couple reconnected at a Super Bowl in 2012 and began dating, marrying in October 2013 [4]. They have two children together, River and Remington [5].
The divorce between Blackstock and Clarkson was finalized in 2022, following claims that Blackstock had overcharged Clarkson millions of dollars while managing her career during their marriage [6]. In 2024, the former couple settled these lawsuits [6].
Reba McEntire was previously married to Narvel Blackstock [3]. In 2022, Blackstock became a grandfather when Savannah, his daughter from a previous marriage, had a son named Lake [7].
Brandon Blackstock will be remembered for his contributions to the country music industry and his impact on the careers of many artists. His legacy continues to live on through his children and the work he did at Starstruck Entertainment.
[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2020/06/30/kelly-clarkson-brandon-blackstock-divorce-finalized-source/3289723001/ [2] https://www.people.com/music/kelly-clarkson-brandon-blackstock-divorce-finalized/ [3] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2015/10/27/reba-mcintire-narvel-blackstock-divorce/74705060/ [4] https://www.people.com/music/kelly-clarkson-brandon-blackstock-married/ [5] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/12/19/kelly-clarkson-brandon-blackstock-expecting-first-child/20589415/ [6] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/08/18/kelly-clarkson-brandon-blackstock-lawsuit-settled/5629587001/ [7] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2022/03/21/savannah-blackstock-becomes-mom-son-lake-amid-divorce-dad-brandon-blackstock/7080936001/
- Brandon Blackstock's career in entertainment started at Starstruck Entertainment, a company that his father, Narvel Blackstock, founded, which also played a significant role in the business side of the country music industry.
- His work expanded beyond talent management, as he served as an executive producer on The Kelly Clarkson Show and also managed artists like Carly Pearce.
- Even though Brandon Blackstock's professional life intertwined with his personal life, his impact on the careers of celebrities and the country music business as a whole will remain after his passing in August 2025.
