Ex-spouse of Kelly Clarkson, Brandon Blackstock, and father of her two children, passes away at the age of 48.
Brandon Blackstock, Talent Manager and Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson, Passes Away at 48
Brandon Blackstock, a prominent figure in the country music industry, has passed away at the age of 48. The news was confirmed by his family on Thursday following a three-year battle with melanoma.
Blackstock gained recognition as a talent manager, primarily at Starstruck Entertainment, a talent management firm founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock. He managed major artists such as Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts, but is perhaps best known for his work with his then-wife, Kelly Clarkson.
Blackstock and Clarkson met in 2006 and began dating in 2011. They were married in a quiet ceremony in Tennessee in 2013. During their marriage, Blackstock served as Clarkson's manager, taking over from his father who had managed her since 2007. He also executive produced her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show.
The couple had two children together, a daughter born in 2014 and a son born in 2016. However, they split in 2020 and their divorce was finalized in 2022 amid contentious legal disputes.
Blackstock's death has deeply affected Clarkson. In response, she postponed four August shows in her Studio Sessions residency in Las Vegas, citing the need to be fully present for her children. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Throughout his career, Blackstock earned respect for his ability to nurture and guide major country music artists. His insight and advocacy made him a trusted figure in the industry despite the public scrutiny from his personal life challenges.
Blackstock was also married to Melissa Ashworth, the mother of two of his children. In 2024, both parties agreed to settle lawsuits over millions that he allegedly overcharged her while serving as her manager during their marriage.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Brandon Blackstock during this difficult time.
Timeline and Key Career/Relationship Details:
- Early Career: Brandon began his career working at Starstruck Entertainment, gaining early experience under his father Narvel, a respected manager and producer.
- Family Connections: He is the son of Narvel Blackstock and was the stepson of country music legend Reba McEntire (who was married to Narvel from 1989 to 2015). Despite these family ties, Brandon built his own reputation as a talent manager.
- Relationship with Kelly Clarkson: The couple had a significant period of Clarkson's career, with Blackstock managing her and executive producing her daytime talk show.
- Management Style and Reputation: Blackstock was respected for his ability to nurture and guide major country music artists.
- Relationship with Reba McEntire: There are no public records of direct professional collaborations between Brandon and Reba, though their family connection was notable.
- Relationship with Narvel Blackstock: His father, Narvel, was a key influence and mentor, having founded Starstruck Entertainment and managed Kelly Clarkson before Brandon took over.
[1] Starstruck Entertainment [2] The Tennessean [4] The Hollywood Reporter [5] Court documents
- Brandon Blackstock's career began at Starstruck Entertainment, learning from his father Narvel, a respected name in the entertainment business.
- Despite being the stepson of country music icon Reba McEntire, Brandon forged his own identity in the entertainment industry, managing major artists such as Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts.
- In his management role, Blackstock is particularly recognized for his work with celebrities like Kelly Clarkson, guiding her career and even executive producing her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show.
- As his professional success grew, Blackstock's management style and strategic advocacy earned him respect within the music industry, though he faced public scrutiny because of his personal life challenges.
