Brandon Blackstock, a distinguished talent manager recognized for his work with numerous artists and his marriage to Grammy Award-winning singer Kelly Clarkson, passed away at the age of 48. His family confirmed on August 7 that he had succumbed to cancer after a courageous three-year fight. His death represents a deeply mournful moment for the entertainment industry and those who knew him personally.
In a statement issued to various media outlets, including USA TODAY, the Blackstock family expressed their profound sorrow, stating, “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.” The family also extended their gratitude for the public’s support while respectfully requesting privacy during this difficult time. They emphasized, “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.” Details regarding the specific nature of Mr. Blackstock’s illness were not disclosed, and the family indicated no further comments will be made in the near future.
Mr. Blackstock’s death occurred just one day after Kelly Clarkson, his ex-wife and mother of two of his children, announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency dates. On August 6, Clarkson addressed her fans on social media, revealing a deeply personal reason for the decision that highlighted the seriousness of the situation. She wrote, “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.” This heartfelt message shed light on the private challenges Mr. Blackstock and his family had been facing, which had remained largely undisclosed to the public until then.
Earlier in the year, Clarkson took an unannounced absence of nearly two weeks from “The Kelly Clarkson Show” during March. During her absence, guest hosts including Roy Wood Jr., Wanda Sykes, Brooke Shields, and Josh Groban filled in. At the time, neither Clarkson nor the show provided an explanation for the break, leaving the circumstances behind her temporary departure unpublicized.
Brandon Blackstock’s career was firmly established within the music industry, where he earned recognition as a respected talent manager. His clientele included prominent names such as country music star Blake Shelton and the renowned band Rascal Flatts. In addition to his management role, Blackstock also held executive producer credits, notably for “The Kelly Clarkson Show” between 2019 and 2020, as well as the television special “Blake Shelton Live: It’s All About Tonight.”
His ties to the country music world extended beyond his professional endeavors. Brandon was the son of Narvel Blackstock, chief executive officer of Starstruck Entertainment, a Nashville-based talent management company founded in 1988. He was also the former stepson of country music icon Reba McEntire, who was married to his father for 26 years, from 1989 until 2015.
Despite the divorce between Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock, McEntire maintained a close and affectionate relationship with Brandon, considering him as her own son. During Brandon’s divorce from Kelly Clarkson, McEntire publicly voiced her ongoing support and care for both individuals. In 2021, she told “Extra,” “I pray everyone gives them the encouragement they can because they need it right now, both of them do. I love the both of them with all my heart.”
Brandon Blackstock was a devoted father to four children. With Kelly Clarkson, he shared a daughter, River Rose Blackstock, born in 2014 and currently 11 years old, and a son, Remington “Remy” Alexander Blackstock, born in 2016 and now 9 years old. From a previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth, he had two older children, Savannah and Seth Blackstock. His family expanded further in 2022 when his eldest daughter Savannah gave birth to a son named Lake, making Mr. Blackstock a grandfather. This diverse family dynamic underscored the personal foundation that supported him amid the demands of the entertainment industry.
Born on December 16, 1976, in Fort Worth, Texas, Mr. Blackstock is survived by his four children, his father Narvel Blackstock, and his mother Elisa Gayle Ritter. His passing has deeply impacted his family, who have privately endured a prolonged health struggle with him.
The relationship between Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson originated within the music industry. Their paths first crossed in 2006 at the Academy of Country Music Awards, where Clarkson performed a duet with Rascal Flatts. At that time, Blackstock was married, and their lives took separate directions.
Years later, fate reunited Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson in 2012 at Super Bowl XLVI. Clarkson performed the national anthem while Blackstock, then Blake Shelton’s manager, was also in attendance. Both having become single, they began dating and became engaged after nearly a year of courtship, embarking on a new chapter together.
The couple married in a private ceremony at Tennessee’s scenic Blackberry Farms in 2013. Their union was blessed with two children, River Rose born in 2014 and Remington Alexander in 2016. Parenthood enriched their lives and they occasionally shared family moments with the public.
In June 2020, after seven years of marriage, Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. This led to a highly publicized and contentious legal battle lasting two years, during which numerous complex issues related to their separation were addressed.
The legal proceedings following the divorce involved disputes over the custody of their children, River and Remington, as well as substantial financial matters. These financial disputes included allegations of unlawful commission fees paid to Brandon Blackstock and ownership rights concerning their Montana property, Warren Peak Ranch. A California labor commissioner determined that Blackstock exceeded his authority in securing several lucrative contracts and deals for Clarkson, ordering him to return commissions exceeding $2.6 million.
The divorce was officially finalized in March 2022, concluding their marital relationship. Nevertheless, legal conflicts related to the dissolution of their professional ties and financial settlements persisted until a confidential agreement was reached in 2024.
The divorce had a profound effect on Kelly Clarkson, who openly reflected on this challenging period in various interviews. In 2023, discussing the creation of her album Chemistry, she candidly shared insights into her emotional state during that time.
Kelly Clarkson candidly described her emotional turmoil following her divorce, telling USA TODAY, “I was very, very angry. I know a lot of people have gone through grief or a big tragedy like a divorce and I know it’s a common thing, unfortunately. But there’s nothing common when you’re going through it. It’s very foreign, it’s horrible. A lot of times, stupid, stupid things get said and you just can’t believe it.”
During this challenging period, Clarkson found solace in music. In 2024, she shared with People magazine, “I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet. Because the level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving is extraordinarily hard. You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming.”
Her personal experiences with divorce also inspired her critically acclaimed song “Piece by Piece,” released in 2015. The lyrics of the title track reflect on her relationship with Blackstock, portraying him as someone who helped heal her past wounds: “But piece by piece, he collected me up / Off the ground, wher
Following their divorce, Kelly Clarkson relocated to New York City with her children, where she continues to host her acclaimed daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. This transition marked a significant new chapter in their lives, offering a fresh environment for both Clarkson and her children.
Brandon Blackstock’s passing at the age of 48 brings a poignant close to a life distinguished by notable contributions to the music industry and intricate personal relationships. His private three-year battle with cancer highlights the often unseen struggles faced by those connected to the public eye.
The family’s request for privacy during this period of mourning underscores the dignity with which they approach their grief. As the entertainment community reflects on Blackstock’s career and legacy, the emphasis remains on supporting his children and loved ones through this profound loss. While his life was public in many respects, it concludes with a deeply personal farewell surrounded by the family he cherished.
In the wider context of public life intersecting with private sorrow, Brandon Blackstock’s death serves as a sobering reminder of life’s fragility and the essential need for empathy and respect during times of profound sadness. His memory will endure through his professional achievements, his children, and the many individuals he impacted.
