Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, father of her two children, dead at 48
A family spokesperson confirmed the heartbreaking news to PEOPLE, stating: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away."
The statement continued: "Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time."
This comes as Kelly Clarkson had to delay her Las Vegas residency due to a sudden crisis involving her ex-husband.
Earlier in the week, Kelly announced the postponement of her Las Vegas shows, citing Brandon's health issues. She shared on Instagram: "Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas," reports the Mirror.
She added, "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. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding."
Brandon had two kids, River Rose, 11, and Remington 'Remy' Alexander, nine, with Kelly, alongside two children from a previous relationship. In a twist of family joy, he became a grandad in 2022 when his eldest daughter welcomed a baby boy. Brandon Blackstock has died. (Image: Getty Images for NARAS)
Kelly met Brandon, whose dad Narvel was her former manager, during rehearsals for the Academy of Country Music Awards back in 2006. Following his split from his first wife, Brandon and Kelly's lives intertwined again at the Super Bowl, leading to their nuptials in October 2013.
The talent manager, known for handling Blake Shelton's career, took Kelly under his professional wing post-marriage. Kelly gushed to Marie Claire in 2018 about her decision: "I wouldn't have hired Brandon to be my manager if I didn't see first-hand how great he is at that and how much he cares about Blake."
She added, praising his professional acumen, "And the way that [Blake's] career has blown up, I would have hired Brandon regardless. He's really talented at what he does and his mind really does work in a completely different way."
However, after six years together, Kelly filed for divorce from Brandon in 2020, shortly after they listed their home for sale. Reflecting on the ordeal in 2023, she admitted the separation "ripped her apart".
Discussing the emotional toll, she said, "I think the thing about divorce - especially having it publicised, and people thinking they know the whole thing, the hardest part of that is, like, it wasn't an overnight decision."
She continued, revealing the depth of the struggle, "Anyone that's been divorced knows that was years in trying to make, not make it work – I never wanted to be part of something to 'make it work'."
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