Just heartbreaking.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and famous entertainment talent manager, has sadly passed away at 48. He was the father to her two young children River, 11, and Remington, 9, and he also had two adult children from a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth. He became a grandfather in 2022 when his eldest child Savannah gave birth to a son, Lake.
Blackstock was also the stepson of Reba McEntire, as Reba was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, for many years, from 1989 to 2015.
A rep for the family gave a statement to PEOPLE, confirming his passing and saying he had been battling cancer for “more than three years.” They also thanked the fans for their thoughts and prayers, and asked for privacy during this very difficult time:
“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.”
Brandon had been fighting melanoma, and he and Clarkson went through a nasty divorce several years ago, as Clarkson filed for divorce from him back in 2020. They finally settled their divorce in 2022 after a longtime custody battle over their two children, though the battle made headlines for years and it seemed as though they were not on good terms.
Clarkson and Blackstock were married from 2013 until 2022, and they first met in 2006 at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards, when Blackstock was working as Rascal Flatts’ tour manager. Six years later, they reconnected at the Super Bowl and began dating. Blackstock later became Blake Shelton’s manager, as well as Clarkson’s while they were together.
And even though Clarkson and Blackstock were no longer married, and had been through a horrible divorce, a source told Page Six that Clarkson has been looking after him while trying to work and keep her residency, as well as popular daytime TV show, alive. They explained that Blackstock was “the man she loved” and still the father to her children:
“It’s been exhausting and so sad… Kelly has been working so hard, as well as looking after Brandon. Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father.”
Many tributes and posts about Blackstock have flowed in, and both Reba and her son Shelby (Brandon’s half brother), shared touching words about how much he meant to their family.
But the saddest one of all is from his oldest daughter Savannah, who announced just over a month ago that she is expecting a little girl early next year, shared a lengthy post about how much her father meant to her, saying he was her “biggest cheerleader” and “best friend.”
She also got very personal, talking about how Brandon was on a faith journey over the last six months and how he accepted the Lord as his savior and got saved just twelve days before his passing. She said “the gift of knowing where he is today” is “the most valuable gift I could’ve asked for”:
“My daddy never fell short of making my dreams come true. No matter how high or how far, he made a way. Not only did he make my dreams come true, he chased them with me. Worldwide he was there, my biggest cheerleader. He is my best friend, my voice of reason, and my favorite phone call every day.
Over the past 6 months my dad gifted me a new avenue of our relationship, and that was a relationship centered in Jesus. He always loved the Lord, but 6 months ago he sought the Lord. He was hungry for the word and we did it together. He’s gifted me more than I could’ve asked for and deserved throughout my life, but 12 days ago he blessed me the most valuable gift I could’ve asked for. The gift of knowing where he is today, in Heaven with our Savior.
I lost a piece of my heart and my favorite Cowboy, but Heaven gained an angel. I’m so thankful for the time I did have and I can’t wait for eternity. I love you daddy and I will miss you indefinitely. Enjoy your ranch up there, God designed it with your heart’s desires in mind.”
It’s clear just how beloved he was, and while Savannah no longer has her father on earth, she has found peace in knowing he is in a much better place now.
You can see the full post, as well as some sweet photos of them below.
