The music industry is mourning the sudden loss of Brandon Blackstock — a veteran talent manager, father of four, and Kelly Clarkson’s former husband — who passed away at 48 after a private three-year battle with cancer. His family confirmed that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on August 8, 2025. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,” a representative said. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”
The news comes just two days after Clarkson revealed for the first time that her ex-husband had been gravely ill. In a heartfelt statement posted on August 6, she announced that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency to be fully present for their children, River Rose, 11, and Remington Alexander, 9. “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.
Blackstock’s legacy in the music world was deeply rooted. As the son of talent manager Narvel Blackstock and former stepson of country legend Reba McEntire, he grew up surrounded by the entertainment business. He managed superstar clients including Blake Shelton — and later, Clarkson herself. In interviews, Clarkson praised his dedication and instinct for the industry, saying, “He’s really talented at what he does. I wouldn’t have hired him if I didn’t see firsthand how much he cares.”
His relationship with Clarkson began in 2006 during rehearsals for the Academy of Country Music Awards while he was still married. The two reconnected years later at the Super Bowl and wed in 2013. Their marriage inspired one of Clarkson’s most emotional ballads, “Piece by Piece,” a tribute to the trust and stability she said he brought into her life. Despite their high-profile love story, Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, finalizing it in 2022, later reflecting, “I wanted to make it beautiful… sometimes that just doesn’t happen.”
Blackstock also had two older children, Savannah and Seth, from a previous marriage. In 2022, Savannah made him a grandfather when she welcomed her son, Lake. One of his last public outings was in March 2024, when he attended the Houston Rodeo with River and Remington, joined by his brother Shelby and Reba McEntire. Friends and colleagues remember him as a man devoted to his family, often prioritizing his role as a father over industry demands.
Those close to the family say the full story of Blackstock’s illness and final months may surprise many, as he chose to keep his diagnosis and treatment journey largely hidden from public view. This decision allowed him to live his final years privately, focusing on moments with his children and loved ones without the constant glare of media attention.
Brandon Blackstock is survived by his four children, his grandson, his father Narvel, and his siblings Shelby, Shawna, and Chassidy. For those who knew him, his passing is not just the loss of a respected industry figure, but of a man who balanced ambition with heart — and whose final battle was fought with quiet courage.
