The world recently paused to acknowledge the passing of Brandon Blackstock, a figure widely known for his significant connections in the music industry, particularly through his marriage to superstar Kelly Clarkson. His death, at the age of 48 after a brave and private three-year battle with melanoma, deeply saddened many. However, a surprising new detail has emerged from his obituary, revealing a profound and touching chapter of his life that remained largely out of the public eye until now.
This week, the obituary for the late talent manager brought forth a remarkable revelation: Brandon Blackstock was in a loving relationship with Brittney Marie Jones, who previously worked as an assistant for none other than Kelly Clarkson. This unexpected twist adds a new dimension to the narrative of Blackstock’s life, inviting us to look beyond the headlines and understand the personal journey he embarked upon in his final years.
The obituary, a heartfelt tribute to a man who touched many lives, laid bare the depth of his final partnership. It beautifully articulated that “Brandon, along with his beautiful and loving partner in life and business, Brittney Marie Jones, started building a life, building companies, and working tirelessly to create Headwaters Livestock Auction and what will live on as his legacy, The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana.” It paints a picture of shared dreams and dedicated effort, highlighting a bond that was clearly central to his world.
Delving into Brittney Marie Jones’s professional background, her LinkedIn profile provides an intriguing glimpse into her connection to both Blackstock and Clarkson. From 2016 to 2018, she served as a production assistant for Kelly Clarkson, with her profile stating, “I successfully assistant managed day to day for artist, Kelly Clarkson under manager, Brandon Blackstock in Los Angeles for music and television.” This history makes the revelation of their later romantic and business partnership even more compelling.
Following a shift in management for Ms. Clarkson, Brittney transitioned roles, becoming the “Executive Assistant for Mr. Blackstock’s cattle operation in Montana where I currently run the office and administration work.” Her profile further clarifies that she also fulfilled “personal assistant duties for Mr. Blackstock,” indicating a close working relationship that evolved into something much deeper, culminating in their joint venture with the Valley View Rodeo.
Brandon’s journey saw him return to a life he deeply cherished after two decades in the demanding music business. The obituary eloquently shared that he “found his way back to the mountains and the cowboy way of life he always wanted to live.” This personal transformation led him to move to Butte, Montana, where he not only found a homestead but also a profound connection with Brittney, signaling a fulfilling new chapter in his life.
Beyond his entrepreneurial spirit and romantic life, Brandon Blackstock was profoundly devoted to his children, a sentiment powerfully conveyed in his obituary. It stated, “To say he was devoted seems cliché,” but affirmed, “It feels like an overused word, but it is the correct word. He was a devoted father.” His four children—River, 11, and Remington, nine, with Kelly Clarkson; and Savannah, 23, and Seth, 18, with his ex-wife Melissa Ashworth—were unequivocally described as “his greatest love and his greatest legacy.”
Indeed, the obituary further emphasized his essence, noting, “He was the son, brother, father, friend, and love you prayed to have in your life.” This description, coupled with the touching declaration, “Above all, he was a dreamer,” paints a portrait of a man driven by love and aspiration. It highlights the profound impact he had on his family and those around him, leaving an indelible mark.
Kelly Clarkson, for her part, had already signaled the gravity of Brandon’s illness just days before his passing. She made the difficult decision to postpone the remainder of her August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas, sharing an Instagram post where she candidly 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.” Her words underscored the seriousness of his condition and her commitment to their children during such a trying time.
Sources close to Kelly revealed her deep sadness, not just for Brandon’s passing, but particularly for her children. It was shared that Kelly is “devastated” for them, feeling a profound empathy due to her own experience of growing up with an estranged father. This personal history made her determined to ensure her children maintained a strong bond with Brandon, despite the challenges of their divorce.
Read more about: Marsha P. Johnson: Unveiling the Enduring Legacy of an Unyielding Pioneer in the Fight for LGBTQ+ Liberation
“Kelly has always tried to keep things classy,” an insider revealed, adding that when she discovered his illness, “she remained protective of him for their sake.” This speaks volumes about her dedication to her children’s well-being, prioritizing their relationship with their father above any past animosities. It shows the depth of a mother’s love and her commitment to her family, even in the most challenging circumstances.
The relationship between Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock spanned nearly seven years of marriage, beginning in 2013 and concluding with their divorce finalization in 2022. Their journey together, which started after meeting at an American Country Music Awards rehearsal in 2006 and dating since 2012, was a significant chapter in both their lives, marked by milestones and ultimately, profound changes.
Their split in 2020, citing “irreconcilable differences,” led to a highly publicized and, at times, contentious legal battle. The complexities of their divorce involved disputes over everything from parental custody to real estate, including their Montana ranch. It was a challenging period that unfolded under intense public scrutiny, reflecting the difficulties inherent in ending a marriage, especially for public figures.
The financial aspects of their divorce were also widely reported. Kelly Clarkson agreed to a substantial one-time payment of $1.3 million to Brandon, in addition to significant monthly child support of $45,601. Reports also indicated spousal payments of $115,000 a month, highlighting the scale of their settlement. Despite the initial refusal by Blackstock to leave Kelly’s Montana ranch, the court ultimately ordered him to vacate the property in June 2022.
Read more about: Kelly Clarkson’s Heartfelt Priority: Unveiling the Emotional Truth Behind Her Vegas Residency Postponement
Brandon subsequently purchased his own $1.8 million ranch in Butte, Montana, where he further established his new life, founding Valley View Rodeo. This move represented a definitive shift towards the “cowboy way of life” he yearned for, a life that eventually intertwined with Brittney Marie Jones, who worked as his executive assistant there.
Interestingly, the lengthy obituary for Brandon Blackstock made no mention of Kelly Clarkson, nor his first wife, Melissa Ashworth, with whom he shared two children. This intentional exclusion from the formal tribute speaks to the personal decisions made by his family in crafting his final narrative, choosing to focus on specific aspects of his life and relationships as they saw fit.
Melissa Ashworth, Brandon’s first wife, recently broke her silence, sharing a deeply moving tribute on Instagram. She described Brandon as “the best Daddy and Pa,” and a man who “loved hard and he fought hard.” Her words painted a picture of a charming, witty, and gentlemanly figure, always in cowboy boots and a hat, profoundly connected to his children and faith.
Her message also expressed a comforting belief, stating, “The best thing Brandon has left for his children is they know where he is. I’ve heard it said, ‘Nothing is lost when you know where it is’ and Brandon is with Jesus his Savior.” This spiritual solace underscores the enduring bond of family and the hope that transcends grief, a sentiment shared by many.
The outpouring of love continued from his children and other family members. Brandon’s eldest son, Seth, honored his father as his “best friend” and “hero” in a touching Instagram tribute. Shelby Blackstock, Brandon’s half-brother and son of Narvel Blackstock and former stepson of Reba McEntire, shared a heartfelt post, remembering Brandon as “funny, bright, and full of life” and an “irreplaceable part of our family.”
Even Reba McEntire, his former stepmother, publicly acknowledged the loss, commenting on Shelby’s tribute, “Very well said Shelby. Yes we will miss him so much.” These messages collectively underscore the profound impact Brandon had on his family, painting a picture of a man deeply loved and cherished, whose memory will live on through the many lives he touched.
Looking back, Kelly Clarkson had once candidly spoken about her marriage to Brandon, releasing the song “Piece by Piece” in 2015, which reflected on the love and stability she found with him, a stark contrast to her own experience with her estranged father. In 2017, she even described him as the first person she felt “truly ‘sexually attracted’ to,” showcasing the deep initial connection they shared.
Despite the eventual challenges and the highly publicized divorce, Kelly learned valuable lessons from Brandon. She observed how he “never badmouthed his first wife around his kids, and he never let that divorce get in the way of their bond.” This commitment to co-parenting, prioritizing the children’s relationship with their father, profoundly influenced Kelly, inspiring her to adopt a similar approach for River and Remington.
In the face of Brandon’s passing, the revelations from his obituary paint a complex yet deeply human portrait of a man. His journey was one of evolution, from a successful music industry figure to a dedicated cowboy and entrepreneur, finding new love and pursuing his dreams in the tranquil landscapes of Montana. This story serves as a poignant reminder that every life holds layers of untold narratives, personal triumphs, and enduring legacies that extend far beyond what the public eye perceives. It’s a testament to the fact that even amidst significant life changes, love and dedication can find new forms and flourish, creating a lasting impact on those who were part of his world, cementing his legacy not just as a professional, but as a devoted father and partner.
