Brandon Blackstock, the former husband and manager of pop superstar Kelly Clarkson, passed away on August 7, 2025, at age 48 after a three-year battle with cancer. His death came just weeks after his eldest daughter, Savannah Blackstock Lee, announced her second pregnancy, a joyful moment that turned bittersweet as Blackstock expressed a profound regret in his final days: not having the chance to meet his newest grandchild. Surrounded by loved ones in his last moments, he reportedly lamented, “I didn’t get to meet my grandchild,” a sentiment that underscored the cruel timing of his illness.
Born on December 16, 1976, in Fort Worth, Texas, Blackstock grew up in the heart of the music industry. His father, Narvel Blackstock, founded Starstruck Entertainment, a major talent management firm representing artists like Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce. Brandon followed suit, becoming a talent manager and eventually CEO of the company. His stepmother, country icon Reba McEntire, treated him like her own son, a bond that remained strong even after her divorce from Narvel in 2015. She once described him as family, saying, “Brandon’s been my son forever, it seems. Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my blood.”
Blackstock’s career flourished as he managed artists like Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton. It was through Shelton that he met Kelly Clarkson in 2006 during rehearsals for the Academy of Country Music Awards. Their chemistry was undeniable, though their romance didn’t begin until 2012. They got engaged that same year and married in October 2013 at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. Their marriage blended professional and personal lives, with Blackstock managing Clarkson’s career, including pitching the idea for her successful daytime talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” The couple welcomed two children: daughter River Rose in June 2014 and son Remington “Remy” Alexander in April 2016. Clarkson often credited Blackstock with bringing stability to her life, inspiring her 2015 song “Piece by Piece,” which contrasted his presence with her own absent father’s influence.
Blackstock also brought a blended family into the marriage from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth (2001-2012), with whom he had daughter Savannah, born in 2001, and son Seth, born in 2006. The family appeared united at events like the 2017 American Music Awards, where Savannah joined Clarkson and River Rose, or the 2019 “UglyDolls” premiere, where they all posed together. Savannah, now a 23-year-old realtor in Florida, maintained a close bond with her father while staying out of the public eye.
Tensions surfaced during the 2020 COVID-19 quarantine on their Montana ranch, which strained their marriage. Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020, and the process was contentious, involving disputes over custody, finances, and their prenuptial agreement. Finalized in March 2022, Clarkson gained primary custody of their children and agreed to spousal support payments. She later shared that the decision wasn’t made lightly, driven by her desire for a healthier environment for their kids.
After the divorce, Blackstock pivoted to ranching in Montana, launching Valley View Rodeo with Clarkson’s former assistant, Brittany Jones. He found peace in the rural lifestyle, cherishing time with his children and grandson, Lake, born to Savannah in January 2022. Family moments, like a March 2024 outing at the Houston Rodeo with River, Remy, his brother Shelby, and Reba McEntire, highlighted his devotion.
In 2022, Blackstock was diagnosed with cancer, believed to be melanoma, though the family kept details private. He fought quietly for over three years, staying engaged in his children’s lives. In July 2025, Savannah announced on Instagram that she and her husband, Quentin Lee, were expecting a baby girl in January 2026. The news brought joy but also heartbreak, as Blackstock’s health was rapidly declining.
On August 7, 2025, Blackstock passed away peacefully at his Montana ranch, surrounded by family. In his final days, he expressed regret over not meeting his second grandchild, saying, “I haven’t gotten to meet my grandchild yet.” He shared similar sentiments at a Valley View Rodeo event, noting, “Life is short, but the love you have for your family is forever.”
His death prompted tributes from the entertainment community. Reba McEntire, who supported him through his illness, honored their lifelong bond. Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan paid respects at concerts, reflecting Blackstock’s impact. Kelly Clarkson, despite their rocky divorce, postponed her Las Vegas residency on August 6 to be with River and Remy during their father’s final days. Sources say she was “devastated” for her children and had been supportive despite past conflicts.
Blackstock’s passing highlights the complex emotions of losing an ex-spouse, blending grief with unresolved pain. Clarkson, who has been open about her post-divorce healing, once said she tried to hold onto the marriage for their family, a value Blackstock instilled. He leaves behind sons Seth and Remington, daughters Savannah and River, grandson Lake, father Narvel, mother Elisa, and siblings Shelby, Shawna, and Chassidy. As Savannah prepares to welcome her daughter in 2026, Blackstock’s absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy of family devotion endures. In his final words to his children, he urged, “Live strong and cherish family,” a message that resonates as his family carries forward.
