Brandon Blackstock, Former Talent Manager and Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson, Passes Away at 48
Brandon Blackstock, a prominent Hollywood talent manager known for his ties to major entertainment figures, d**d on August 7, 2025. He was 48. His family confirmed he lost a more than three-year battle with cancer.
Family Announces Passing and Honors His Courage
In a statement to People, the family shared that Brandon passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. They thanked fans for their support and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Kelly Clarkson Pauses Vegas Residency to Be With Children
Just a day before his passing, Kelly Clarkson revealed his illness on Instagram. She announced she would postpone the remainder of her Las Vegas residency to focus on their two children: 11-year-old River Rose and 9-year-old Remington Alexander. She asked fans for understanding and kindness.
A Devoted Father and Grandfather
Besides his two kids with Kelly, Brandon had two more children, Savannah and Seth, from a previous marriage. He also became a grandfather three years ago to his granddaughter, Lake.
Kelly Clarkson, Brandon, Seth, Remington Alexander, Savannah, and River Rose Blackstock during the “UglyDolls” world premiere at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on April 27, 2019, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Entertainment Roots and Family Ties
Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, was married to country singer and actress Reba McEntire until 2015. Brandon himself managed Kelly Clarkson in the late 2000s and also represented Blake Shelton during that period.
From First Meeting to Marriage
Kelly met Brandon in May 2006 during rehearsals for the Academy of Country Music Awards. Although Brandon was still married to Melissa Ashworth, Kelly recalled that his humor instantly won her over. They reconnected at the 2012 Super Bowl, got engaged that year, and married in October 2013 on a Tennessee farm.
Love, Music, and Collaboration
Kelly’s song “Piece by Piece” reflects the stability Brandon brought to her life after a troubled childhood. Following their wedding, Brandon took on the role of her manager, further intertwining their personal and professional lives.
Divorce and Moving Forward
After seven years, Kelly filed for divorce in 2020 citing “irreconcilable differences.” The separation happened during the COVID-19 pandemic while the family isolated at their Montana ranch, where Kelly even filmed episodes of her show. The divorce finalized in 2022.
In 2023, Kelly addressed the split publicly, explaining it was not sudden. She had hoped for a lasting marriage but accepted that their paths had diverged.
Brandon Blackstock’s legacy remains tied to both his influential career and the personal impact he had on his family and friends. His courage in facing illness inspired many, and his story will be remembered fondly by those who knew him.
