Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband and Talent Manager, Dies at 48 from Cancer

Brandon Blackstock the talent manager best known as Kelly Clarkson’s former husband and Reba McEntire’s former stepson, has died at 48.

A representative for Blackstock’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news, saying he had bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family, with his loved ones asking for privacy and expressing gratitude for the prayers and support.

Just days before his death, Clarkson revealed that Blackstock had been seriously ill and postponed her Las Vegas residency so she could be there for their two children, daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9.

“While I normally keep my personal life private,” Clarkson said, “my children’s father has been ill,” adding that she needed to be fully present for their children.

Blackstock was also father to Savannah and Seth from a previous marriage and became a grandfather in 2022 when Savannah welcomed her son, Lake.

His family remained connected to Reba McEntire through the years. In 2024, Blackstock was photographed with River and Remington at the Houston Rodeo alongside his brother Shelby and Reba. McEntire had previously been married to Blackstock’s father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015.

Blackstock’s connection with Clarkson began years before their marriage. They first met at an Academy of Country Music Awards rehearsal in 2006, when Blackstock was still married to Melissa Ashworth. Clarkson later recalled being immediately drawn to his personality.

The pair reconnected years later at the Super Bowl and married in October 2013. Clarkson’s deeply personal 2015 song “Piece By Piece” was inspired by their relationship and the sense of stability she felt after experiencing childhood abandonment from her father.

After their wedding, Blackstock, who also managed Blake Shelton, became Clarkson’s manager as well. She praised his talent and described his approach to managing careers as uniquely different.

Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, and their divorce was finalized in 2022. In 2023, she reflected on the painful split, explaining that it had not been an overnight decision and that she had hoped to make their marriage work.

Now, Blackstock is being remembered by those closest to him as a father, grandfather, and member of a well-known country music family.