Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband, Dead at 48

Brandon Blackstock, a figure long connected to both the entertainment industry and two of country and pop music's biggest names, has died following a private battle with cancer.

Brandon Blackstock, a longtime talent manager known for his marriage to Kelly Clarkson and as the former stepson of country music star Reba McEntire, has passed away at the age of 48.

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," a representative for the family said in a statement to PEOPLE.

"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," the statement read.

Clarkson, 42, acknowledged Blackstock's illness publicly for the first time on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, when she announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency in order to focus on their children, River Rose, 11, and Remington Alexander, 9.

"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," she shared in a statement, also thanking fans for their "grace, kindness and understanding."

In addition to his two children with Clarkson, Blackstock had two older children —Savannah and Seth — from a previous marriage. He became a grandfather in 2022 when Savannah welcomed her son, Lake.

Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock in 2020, and the split was finalized in 2022 after a highly publicized legal battle.