Brandon Blackstock, Former Talent Manager and Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson, Passes Away at Age 48

Brandon Blackstock, known for his role as a talent manager and as the ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has passed away at the age of 48 after a prolonged battle with cancer, as reported by his family on Thursday.

According to a family representative, Blackstock fought courageously against the illness for over three years. His family expressed gratitude for the support they received during this challenging period, asking for privacy as they grieve his loss.

Blackstock was first recognized in the public eye when he attended the 57th Presidential Inauguration with Clarkson in January 2013. The couple's paths initially crossed in 2006 during a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards, but they began dating in 2012 after reconnecting at a Super Bowl event. They married in October 2013.

In 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting the restoration of her maiden name. The couple had two children together, daughter River and son Remington. Blackstock also had two older children, Savannah and Seth, from a previous marriage. He became a grandfather in 2022 when Savannah welcomed her son, Lake.

The divorce proceedings between Blackstock and Clarkson were reportedly contentious, culminating in a finalization in 2022. In 2024, the pair reached an agreement regarding legal disputes over alleged financial discrepancies during their marriage.

Beyond his relationship with Clarkson, Blackstock had a notable career in the music industry, managing several prominent country artists, including Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts. He began his career with Starstruck Entertainment, the company founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock, who had also managed Clarkson before Brandon took over.

This unexpected loss has left many in the entertainment community reflecting on Blackstock's contributions and the personal challenges he faced in recent years.