Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstone, died at the age of 48 just a day after Kelly announced she was postponing her Vegas residency.
A representative for the family said, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years.” It’s unclear what cancer he suffered from.
“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,” it continued. The tragedy follows Kelly’s “unsettling change in behavior” that left staff “fearing the worst” as she vanished from her NBC show.
The American Idol winner shared two children with Brandon – River, 11, and Remington, 9. He also had two children from a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth, and became a grandfather when Savannah had her son, Lake.
Just a day before his death was announced, Kelly shared in a statement that Brandon was sick. “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my childrens father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them,” she said.
The star added that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency and thanked fans for their “grace, kindness and understanding.”
The couple met when Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, was Kelly’s manager. Kelly and Brandon first met at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2006.
They didn’t connect romantically until years later and married in October 2013 before welcoming daughter River Rose in July 2014. Kelly wrote the emotional ballad ‘Piece By Piece’ about her then-husband, detailing Brandon’s stability as a father compared to her own father who abandoned her.
After their marriage, Brandon became Kelly’s manager. In April 2016, they welcomed a baby boy, Remmington “Remy” Alexander.
Then in 2020, Kelly filed for divorce which became bitter and included a fight over the couple’s Montana ranch which was eventually awarded to the Because of You singer. The divorce was finalized in March 2022 and Kelly was ordered to pay her now-ex $1.3 million along with monthly spousal and child support.
Even though the divorce was finalized, there were more legal battles between them. In 2023, Brandon had to pay his ex-wife over $2.6 million in previous commissions for overstepping the law while serving as her manager. A year later, Kelly filed a lawsuit that she was entitled to more money but the case was withdrawn two months later.
Brandon is survived by his four kids, grandson, father, and siblings Shelby, Shawna, and Chassidy.
It comes after Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin left a tiny fortune to his family after being killed by a stingray – as his family’s financial struggles were laid bare.
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