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Brandon Blackstock, music manager and former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has died at the age of 48 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," a family representative confirmed on August 7. "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."
Blackstock, who shared two children with Clarkson, 11-year-old River Rose and 9-year-old Remington Alexander, also had two older children, Savannah and Seth, from a previous marriage. In 2022, he became a grandfather when Savannah gave birth to a son, Lake.
The announcement came just one day after Clarkson revealed she would be postponing the remainder of her "Studio Sessions" Las Vegas residency to focus on her family. "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," she wrote on Instagram. "I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding."
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock met in 2006 during a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards. Their romantic relationship began later, leading to their marriage in 2013. Their marriage ended in 2020, and after a lengthy legal process, the divorce was finalized in 2022.
Blackstock was known for managing artists including Blake Shelton. He later managed Clarkson herself and served as executive producer on the first season of The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Speaking to Marie Claire in 2018, Clarkson praised his managerial skills noting that her decision to hire him was based on firsthand experience of his professionalism and dedication, particularly in his work with Blake Shelton.
Their relationship also influenced her 2015 track "Piece by Piece," a deeply personal song that reflected the sense of healing and stability she found during their time together.
Brandon Blackstock leaves behind his four children, a grandson, his father Narvel, and his siblings Shelby, Shawna, and Chassidy.
