Brandon Blackstock, the former talent manager and ex-husband of singer and television host Kelly Clarkson, has died at the age of 48. Blackstock, who was married to Clarkson from October 2013 until their divorce was finalized in March 2022, passed away earlier this month following a discreet three-year battle with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
According to sources close to the family, Blackstock chose to keep his illness private, confiding in only a small circle of loved ones as he underwent treatment. His death has left his family, friends, and those who knew him in the entertainment industry deeply shaken.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Blackstock built a career as a talent manager, working with artists across the country music scene. He was notably the son of Narvel Blackstock, a longtime manager in Nashville who once managed Reba McEntire—making Brandon part of a family deeply tied to the music industry. Blackstock himself played a behind-the-scenes role in shaping the careers of several performers, while maintaining a low public profile.
Blackstock’s marriage to Kelly Clarkson brought him into the public spotlight. The couple wed in October 2013 at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee and went on to have two children together, daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander. During their nearly nine-year marriage, the pair frequently appeared at industry events, often portraying an image of unity and family.
However, in 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The separation was highly publicized, with lengthy legal proceedings over custody and financial matters drawing media attention. Despite the difficult end to their marriage, both Clarkson and Blackstock continued to prioritize their children’s well-being. Their divorce was finalized in March 2022.
News of Blackstock’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who knew him personally and professionally. Many have remembered him as a devoted father, a dedicated manager, and a man who carried himself with quiet resilience.
Melanoma, the illness that claimed his life, is the most serious form of skin cancer, often developing from prolonged sun exposure or genetic factors. While treatable if detected early, advanced melanoma can be difficult to manage, and survival rates decrease once it spreads. Blackstock’s choice to keep his diagnosis private highlights the deeply personal ways individuals handle life-threatening illnesses.
As the entertainment world reacts to the news, attention has turned to the legacy Blackstock leaves behind—not just through his work in music management, but through his role as a father to River and Remington. Friends close to the family have expressed hope that his children will remember him for the love and devotion he showed them throughout his life.
At just 48 years old, Blackstock’s death is a reminder of life’s fragility and the hidden battles many face beyond the public eye. His family is expected to hold a private memorial service in his honor.