Ex-spouse of Kelly Clarkson, Brandon Blackstock, passes away at 48 years old
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson and a prominent figure in the country music industry, has passed away. He was 48 years old.
Blackstock, who bravely battled cancer for over three years, passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. The news of his death was first reported by People magazine.
Blackstock's career in country music management began with Starstruck Entertainment, a management company owned by his father, Narvel Blackstock. Narvel was also the ex-husband of country legend Reba McEntire.
Before managing Clarkson, Blackstock represented notable artists such as Blake Shelton, who was considered his most well-known client prior to managing Clarkson. He also worked with Carly Pearce and Emily Ann Roberts through Starstruck Entertainment.
Blackstock and Clarkson first met backstage at the 2006 Academy of Country Music Awards, where Blackstock was managing Rascal Flatts. Their relationship blossomed, and they started dating in 2012, after reconnecting at a Super Bowl. They married in October 2013.
The pair shared four children: River and Remington, born to them, and Savannah and Seth from Blackstock's previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth. Blackstock became a grandfather in 2022 when Savannah gave birth to a son named Lake.
The divorce between Blackstock and Clarkson, which was contentious, was finally finalized in 2022. In 2024, the pair agreed to settle lawsuits over millions of dollars that Blackstock allegedly overcharged Clarkson while serving as her manager during their marriage.
Kelly Clarkson, who usually keeps her personal life private, announced the postponement of her "Studio Session" concerts in Las Vegas, citing personal reasons related to her children's father's illness. Following Blackstock's death, she posted a statement on Instagram, expressing her need to be fully present for her children at this moment.
The Blackstock family shared a statement about Brandon's death with The Associated Press. More details about the services and memorials will be shared at a later date.
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Despite the tumultuous divorce, Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson's relationship had sparked in the world of country music entertainment, with Blackstock being Clarkson's manager and a representative of celebrities like Blake Shelton. After his peaceful passing, the entertainment industry mourned the loss of a prominent figure. [1] [2]
