Brandon Blackstock, the Nashville-based music manager who was once married to Kelly Clarkson, has passed away at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Starstruck Entertainment, the company where Brandon worked for many years, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Thursday (Aug. 7) through an Instagram statement. “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the message read. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Kelly Clarkson Postpones Shows to Be with Family
The news of Brandon’s passing came just a day after The Voice coach Kelly Clarkson announced she would be postponing her Las Vegas residency shows scheduled for August. Clarkson explained that she needed to be with her children during a challenging time for the family.
“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,” she wrote on Instagram. She also expressed her gratitude to fans, adding, “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness, and understanding.”
A Career in Music Management
The son of Starstruck co-founder Narvel Blackstock, Brandon was deeply rooted in the music industry from an early age. He was formerly the stepson of country legend Reba McEntire, who was married to his father for 26 years. Working alongside Narvel, Brandon helped manage high-profile artists including Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce.
Marriage to Kelly Clarkson and Family Life
Brandon first met Kelly Clarkson while his father was managing her career. Their friendship turned into romance, and the pair tied the knot in 2013. Shortly afterward, Brandon became Kelly’s manager. Together, they welcomed two children — River, born in 2014, and Remington, born in 2016.
However, their marriage ended in 2020 when Clarkson filed for divorce, initiating a lengthy legal battle. The divorce was finalized in 2022, with Clarkson agreeing to pay Brandon $45,601 in monthly child support and a one-time payment of $1.3 million.
Legal Disputes After Divorce
The separation was followed by legal disputes involving business dealings between Clarkson and Starstruck Entertainment. The company sued Clarkson for alleged unpaid fees, while she countered with claims that Brandon and the company owed her money. She accused them of violating California’s Talent Agencies Act by acting as unlicensed agents.
The ruling eventually favored Clarkson, ordering Brandon to repay over $2.6 million in commissions. Attempts to challenge the decision in court were dismissed in May 2024.
Survived by His Children and Grandson
In addition to his two children with Kelly Clarkson, Brandon is survived by his children from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth — Savannah and Seth — as well as his young grandson, Lake. His passing leaves a lasting impact on the music industry and the many people whose lives he touched.
This tragic news marks the end of the life of Brandon Blackstock, Music Manager and Former Husband of Kelly Clarkson, Dies at 48, a man who spent his years balancing a demanding career in music with his role as a devoted father and family member.