Kelly Clarkson’s ex husband has passed away at age 48 from cancer, People has confirmed.
Today brings heartache for Kelly Clarkson’s family.
Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband and former manager of singer Kelly Clarkson, has passed away at the age of 48 after secretly battling cancer for more than three years. According to a rep for the family, he died peacefully, surrounded by family.
A Life Shared with Kelly Clarkson: From Marriage to Divorce
Meeting and Marriage
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock first connected in 2006 and began their romantic relationship in 2012. They got engaged in December of that year and exchanged vows in October 2013.
Family and Career
During their years together, Brandon managed Kelly’s career while also raising a family. She and Brandon welcomed two children: River Rose (born June 2014) and Remington Alexander (born April 2016). Brandon was also father to two older children, Savannah and Seth, from a prior marriage, and became a grandfather in 2022 when Savannah gave birth to her first son, Lake.
Divorce and Legal Battles
Citing irreconcilable differences, Kelly filed for divorce in June 2020, and it was finalized in March 2022.
Kelly and Brandon were known for their contention divorce and legal battle that followed, including the division of their Montana ranch (Kelly retained ownership, granting Brandon roughly 5 % of its value), extensive spousal and child support agreements.
After the divorce was finalized, they were involved in a commission dispute that ultimately saw Kelly awarded more than $2.6 million from Brandon due to wages that were allegedly stolen from her during his time as her manager.
A Final Goodbye
Just yesterday, on August 6, 2025, Kelly Clarkson announced she was postponing the remainder of her Las Vegas residency in order to “be fully present” for their children amid Brandon’s declining health. She posted a picture to Instagram, stating:
“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, apologizing to fans and asking them for their grace at this time.
As the hours passed, fans speculated what Brandon Blackstock was ill with. Shortly after, the announcement of his passing was made by a rep to People Magazine.
Now, with Brandon’s passing confirmed today, this period of grief and adjustment has taken on even deeper significance. They share deep family ties through their children, River (10) and Remington (8), for whom Kelly is now the sole parent.
Reflections on Healing and Legacy
This story is one of evolving roles and relationships, of a high-profile music power couple navigating both public careers and private challenges. Kelly Clarkson, known for her resilience and emotional transparency, has emerged from their “extraordinarily hard” divorce with a renewed focus, on her children, her music, and her personal growth
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Brandon’s passing closes a difficult chapter, not just in their shared history, but in the intense legal and emotional turmoil that followed their separation. In his memory, this moment is a reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of compassion, especially in blended families dealing with grief.