Los Angeles (August 7, 2025) — Talent manager Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of Grammy-winning singer Kelly Clarkson and father to her two children, has died at the age of 48 following a prolonged battle with cancer, his family confirmed Thursday.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a family representative told ABC News. “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.”
A Life Remembered
Blackstock was a prominent talent manager in the music industry and also known for being the stepson of country music legend Reba McEntire. He had four children: River (10) and Remy (8) with Clarkson, and two older children, Savannah and Seth, from a previous marriage. In 2022, he became a grandfather when Savannah welcomed her first child, Lake.
Brandon and Kelly Clarkson married in 2013. Their relationship, widely covered by media, ended in 2020 when Clarkson filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce proceedings attracted considerable attention, especially due to a lengthy custody and property dispute.
Clarkson Pauses Las Vegas Residency to Be with Her Kids
Just a day before Blackstock’s death was publicly confirmed, Clarkson announced that she would be postponing the remainder of her Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace.
In a heartfelt message to fans, Clarkson shared, “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.”
The postponed dates include August 8–9 and 15–16. Caesars Palace confirmed the update via social media, stating that Ticketmaster will be contacting ticket holders with refund or rescheduling options. Fall show dates remain scheduled for November 7–8 and 14–15, with six additional performances set for July and August 2026.
A Tough Year for Clarkson
Clarkson, now 43, has faced a challenging personal year. She had previously missed several episodes of The Kelly Clarkson Show in early 2025. Although replacement guest hosts like Andy Cohen and Kal Penn stepped in, Clarkson remained quiet about the reasons for her absence at the time.
Her latest statement on social media offered a rare glimpse into the emotional toll of her family’s private struggles.
Fans Offer Support
Messages of love and condolences have flooded social media, with fans expressing heartbreak and support for Clarkson and her children. Many have praised her decision to prioritize family and personal healing over professional obligations.
Clarkson has not issued any additional public statements at this time. As the family mourns, they’ve asked for privacy.
