Talent manager Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson and the former stepson of Reba McEntire, has died at age 48. The news of Blackstock’s passing comes just one day after Clarkson cancelled the remainder of her Las Vegas residency dates this month, noting that her ex-husband was ill and she needed to spend time with their children, River, 11, and Remington, 9.
A rep for the family told PEOPLE in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. 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.”
Clarkson had announced on social media the cancellation of this month’s concerts in Las Vegas, sharing that she needed to spend time with her children as their father was battling an undisclosed illness: “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas. 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. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”. The four dates affected included August 8, 9, 15, and 16, with new dates now added for July 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, and August 1, 2026. Clarkson is tentatively set to return to Las Vegas for four more dates in November.
Clarkson and Blackstock were married from 2013-2022 and share 11-year-old daughter, River Rose, and 9-year-old son, Remington Alexander. During that time, Blackstock served as Clarkson’s manager; his father, Narvel Blackstock, was her previous manager. Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon in 2020 after nearly seven years of marriage, which was finalized in March 2022 after a messy court battle over property and finances. Clarkson was granted primary custody of their two children.
Prior to his relationship with Clarkson, Blackstock was married to Melissa Ashworth from 2001-2012, with whom he shares daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18. Blackstock later became a grandfather in January 2022 when Savannah gave birth to her first baby, son Lake, with Quentin Lee; she announced in July 2025 that she is pregnant with the couple’s second baby.
Blackstock was seen in pictures with River and Remington at the Houston Rodeo back in March 2024, alongside his brother Shelby and Shelby’s mother, Reba McEntire. McEntire was previously married to Blackstock’s father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989-2015.
Blackstock is survived by his sons Seth and Remington, daughters Savannah and River, grandson Lake, father Narvel Blackstock and siblings Shelby, Shawna and Chassidy.
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