Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and the former stepson of country music legend Reba McEntire, has died at the age of 48.
Tributes from fans and fellow celebrities have been pouring in following the news of his passing.
The news comes shortly after Clarkson announced she was postponing the remaining dates of her August Las Vegas residency.
On August 6, the singer and TV host revealed that Blackstock had been ill, breaking her usual privacy to share the personal news.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” she wrote on Instagram.
“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. I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
Clarkson and Blackstock married in October 2013 in an intimate Tennessee ceremony.
They went on to welcome two children together – daughter River in 2014 and son Remington in 2016.
Blackstock also had two older children, Savannah and Seth, from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth.
In January 2022, Savannah made him a grandfather with the birth of her first child.
Clarkson and Blackstock first met in 2006 during a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards.
The singer later revealed she felt an immediate connection.
“This guy walks by, making everybody laugh,” she told People in 2013. “I said, ‘I’m gonna end up with him. I know it.’”
Their relationship was both romantic and professional, with Blackstock managing Clarkson through Starstruck Management, a company founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock.
For years, they appeared to balance their marriage, family life, and business ventures, often attending industry events side by side.
However, in June 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
What followed was a highly publicized and often contentious legal battle over custody, property, and financial matters.
Despite the disputes, they continued to co-parent their children, keeping their focus on family.
Blackstock’s roots in the music industry ran deep.
His father, Narvel, was married to Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015, making Blackstock her stepson for more than two decades.
Through both family ties and his own career, he worked closely with some of the biggest names in country and pop music.
He managed artists including Blake Shelton and also served as road manager for Rascal Flatts.
Fans and fellow artists are now expressing their condolences and support for Clarkson and her family.
In a statement, a rep for the family told People: “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. 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 is a breaking news story, there will be more to follow…
