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.
In a video posted to TikTok, Perez Hilton broke down into tears as he shared that his ‘heart breaks for Kelly Clarkson’s children’ over the news.
“Losing anyone you once loved is hard. May he rest in peace and his family find comfort,” one fan wrote.
Another fan writes: “I’m sorry this happened. RIP Brandon Blackstock. I hope Kelly Clarkson and her family can recover from this loss on their own time.”
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,” the American Idol star 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.
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.
“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,” Clarkson previously told Marie Claire.
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.
“Brandon’s been my son forever, it seems. Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total – my blood.” McEntire previously told Entertainment Tonight.
Narvel and McEntire’s son, Shelby, is Blackstock’s half-brother. Additionally, he leaves behind his other siblings, Shawna and Chassidy.
McEntire also remained close with Clarkson, due to their professional links through TV‘s The Voice, where Kelly was a coach and Reba was a mega-mentor.
“We don’t get to see each other as much as we used to, and I hate that,” McEntire told E! News in 2018.
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.”
While Blackstock’s family stated that he died after a three-year battle with cancer, no specific details regarding the type of cancer have been announced.
