Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson, tragically passed away at the age of 48 in August 2025 after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. A family spokesperson confirmed the news, expressing gratitude for the support shown to the family and requesting privacy during this challenging time. Brandon was a notable figure in the music industry, renowned for managing Clarkson’s career prior to their separation in 2020. Their relationship, which transformed into a complicated divorce and legal disputes regarding his alleged mismanagement of finances, marked a turbulent chapter in both their lives.
Brandon’s legacy includes his four children, two from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth and two with Clarkson. Blackstock and Ashworth welcomed daughter Savannah in 2002 and son Seth in 2006. Brandon’s relationship with Clarkson began at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006 and blossomed after his divorce. They married in October 2013, and Clarkson later gave birth to their daughter, River Rose, in 2014, and their son, Remy, in 2016. Clarkson’s postponement of her Las Vegas concerts just hours before Brandon’s death underscores her commitment to her children during their loss.
Following their split, Blackstock initiated legal proceedings against Clarkson over unpaid commissions, which led to a counter-suit from her asserting that his management company had violated labor laws and engaged in fraudulent practices. In November 2022, the California Labor Commissioner ruled in favor of Clarkson, awarding her $2.6 million. Blackstock’s appeal against this decision led to further litigation, but both parties ultimately reached an out-of-court settlement in May 2024, the specifics of which remain confidential.
As the couple navigated both their divorce and business conflicts, they managed to reach a settlement regarding child support and asset division. Clarkson agreed to pay $45,601 monthly until their children reach adulthood and a one-time lump sum of $1.3 million to Blackstock. Additionally, Clarkson retained their Montana home and another property in California, where she continued residing with her children while filming her talk show.
Brandon’s career in music management echoed his father’s legacy. Narvel Blackstock, a notable figure in country music, started as a tour manager and later transitioned into managing his wife Reba McEntire’s career. Brandon also worked with stars like Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts, and even facilitated the relationship between Clarkson and his friend Shelton. Their mutual connections in the industry created bonds that remained resilient, despite the complexities of personal circumstances.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Brandon was known for his personal interests, including aviation. Clarkson humorously dubbed him “Mr. Manly Hunter Pilot Guy” and celebrated his purchase of a private plane in 2018. Brandon’s multifaceted life, filled with familial ties, professional relationships, and personal passions, left a significant mark on those around him, highlighted by the support and love expressed by both family and friends following his untimely passing.
