Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has tragically passed away at the age of 48 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

His family confirmed the news, expressing their deep sadness over his passing.

Blackstock, who was a talent manager, was married to Clarkson from 2013 until their divorce in 2022.

During their marriage, the couple welcomed two children, River, aged 11, and Remington, aged 9.

The news of Blackstock’s death comes shortly after Clarkson announced the postponement of her remaining Las Vegas residency dates due to his illness.

In an official statement, the family expressed their gratitude for the thoughts and prayers they received during this difficult time.

Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock has died aged 48 following a battle with cancer - pictured 2013 in Las Vegas

They shared that Blackstock bravely fought cancer for more than three years and passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

Kelly Clarkson, now 43, and Blackstock had a complex relationship that intertwined both personal and professional elements.

Initially, Blackstock served as Clarkson’s manager, which added layers to their romantic relationship.

The couple’s journey began in 2012, and they tied the knot the following year.

However, their marriage faced significant challenges, ultimately leading to a divorce filing in June 2020 on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.

Their split was marked by a lengthy and contentious legal battle concerning finances and child support.

In March 2022, their divorce was finalized, but not without complications, including a $2.6 million judgment against Blackstock.

Clarkson had claimed he owed her millions in commissions related to deals he had secured while serving as her manager, which should have been handled by a talent agent.

The California Labor Commissioner ruled in favor of Clarkson, stating that Blackstock had overstepped his role.

Despite the tumultuous end to their relationship, Clarkson expressed her commitment to co-parenting their children.

As part of their divorce settlement, Clarkson agreed to pay Blackstock $45,601 per month in child support and $115,000 per month in spousal support, although the latter payments were set to conclude in January 2024.

The couple shared joint custody of their children, with River and Remington primarily residing with Clarkson in Los Angeles while spending weekends with Blackstock in Montana.

Clarkson, 43, and Blackstock were married from 2013–2022 and welcomed two children, River, 11, and Remington, nine — he also has two children from a previous marriage; pictured in 2019 in LA

In addition to his two children with Clarkson, Blackstock had two children from a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth.

He also recently became a grandfather with the birth of his first grandchild, Lake.

Just a month before his death, Savannah announced she was expecting her second child, a baby girl.

She shared her excitement on social media, expressing her gratitude for the blessings in her life during this challenging time.

Blackstock had been battling melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, which he had fought for over three years.

Melanoma develops in the skin cells responsible for pigmentation and is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.

Despite the severity of his illness, Blackstock remained dedicated to his family.

He was last seen in March 2025, attending the Houston Rodeo with his children and family members, including country music star Reba McEntire, who is his former stepmother.

The announcement of his death came just hours after Clarkson revealed her decision to postpone her Las Vegas residency due to her ex-husband’s health issues.

In her statement, Clarkson expressed her deep concern for her children and her need to be present for them during this difficult time.

She apologized to fans for the inconvenience caused by the postponement and thanked them for their understanding.

Clarkson’s relationship with Blackstock was not only romantic but also deeply intertwined with her career.

Her 2015 song “Piece By Piece” was written in honor of Blackstock, who she credited with providing her with a sense of security that she had not experienced in her earlier relationships.

However, the couple’s relationship became strained over time, leading to their eventual separation.

Clarkson has spoken candidly about her views on love and marriage, revealing that she had reservations about the institution of marriage due to her family background.

She acknowledged the challenges of love and the importance of recognizing when a relationship is no longer healthy.

Her reflections on love and relationships resonate deeply with many, especially in light of her recent experiences.

As Clarkson navigates this difficult period, she is likely to draw on her experiences and the support of her family and friends.

The impact of Blackstock’s passing will undoubtedly be felt by those who knew him and by the fans who have followed Clarkson’s journey over the years.

The announcement comes hours after Clarkson revealed she was postponing the remaining dates on her Las Vegas residency in August due to her ex-husband's illness

In the wake of this tragedy, Clarkson’s focus will likely remain on her children, ensuring they have the support they need during this challenging time.

The entertainment industry has also expressed its condolences, with many fans and fellow artists sharing their sympathies on social media.

As the news continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones.

Brandon Blackstock’s legacy will live on through his children and the memories shared with his family.

In conclusion, the passing of Brandon Blackstock at such a young age is a heartbreaking reminder of the battles many face with illness.

As Kelly Clarkson takes time to grieve and support her children, the world watches with compassion and understanding.

This moment serves as an opportunity for reflection on the complexities of love, family, and the enduring bonds that connect us all.

In the coming days, as the family navigates this loss, they will undoubtedly find strength in each other and in the memories of the life they shared.

The journey ahead may be difficult, but the love and support surrounding them will help guide them through this challenging time.