The Tragic Truth: How Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband, Brandon Blackstock, Died At 48

The news of Brandon Blackstock’s passing has shocked the entertainment world, bringing a somber conclusion to a life that was often in the spotlight due to his career as a talent manager and his high-profile marriage to pop superstar Kelly Clarkson. As of December 2025, it is confirmed that Narvel Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s former husband, passed away at the age of 48 after a courageous and private health struggle, finally answering the persistent public curiosity surrounding his well-being following his tumultuous divorce.

The family confirmed the tragic news in August 2025, revealing the specific nature of the illness he had been battling for years. While the public narrative of Blackstock's later years was dominated by his separation from Clarkson, the private reality was a grueling fight against a serious disease, which ultimately led to his untimely death.

Brandon Blackstock: A Complete Biography and Profile

Narvel Brandon Blackstock was a prominent figure in the music and entertainment industry, known for his work as a talent manager and his deep roots in country music royalty. His life was characterized by professional success and a complex family dynamic that intertwined with some of the biggest names in music.

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• Full Name: Narvel Brandon Blackstock
• Date of Birth: December 16, 1976
• Date of Death: August 7, 2025
• Age at Death: 48
• Place of Death: His home in Butte, Montana
• Cause of Death: Malignant Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
• Occupation: Talent Manager, Former CEO of Starstruck Management Group
• Father: Narvel Blackstock (Music Manager)
• Mother: Elisa Blackstock
• Stepmother: Reba McEntire (Country Music Star, married to Narvel from 1989 to 2015)
• First Marriage: Melissa Ashworth (2001–2012)
• Second Marriage: Kelly Clarkson (2013–2021)
• Children: Savannah Blackstock, Seth Blackstock (from first marriage); River Rose Blackstock, Remington Alexander Blackstock (from second marriage)
• Partner at Time of Death: Brittney Marie Jones

The Confirmed Cause of Death: A Private Battle with Melanoma

The question of "how did Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband die" was definitively answered by his family and confirmed by official records. Brandon Blackstock died from malignant melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer.

The official death certificate listed the cause as malignant melanoma, with the manner of death classified as natural causes.

A Three-Year Health Crisis

Blackstock's battle with cancer was not a sudden event. He had been courageously fighting the disease for more than three years prior to his passing. This long-term illness explains the private nature of his life following the highly public divorce from Kelly Clarkson in 2021.

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The family's statement confirmed that he "bravely battled cancer for more than three years" and that he "passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family" at his residence in Butte, Montana.

Kelly Clarkson's Rare Statement on His Illness

Before the news of his death, Kelly Clarkson had made a rare public comment that hinted at Blackstock’s declining health. In a statement concerning the postponement of some of her show tapings, Clarkson cited her ex-husband's "recent illness" and the need to be present for their children, River Rose and Remington Alexander. This acknowledgment, made shortly before his death, provided a subtle foreshadowing of the tragedy to come and highlighted the continued co-parenting relationship despite their personal differences.

Life After Divorce: Montana, Ranching, and a New Partner

Following his contentious divorce from Kelly Clarkson, Brandon Blackstock made significant changes to his life, seeking a quieter existence away from the Hollywood spotlight. The divorce settlement, finalized in 2022, was a major public event, but his focus shifted to his health and his new life in Montana.

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The Montana Ranch and New Beginnings

Blackstock relocated to his ranch in Montana, a property that became a central point of contention during the divorce proceedings. After the settlement, he fully embraced a life centered on ranching and the outdoors, a passion he shared with his children.

His obituary revealed that he had found a "beautiful and loving partner in life," Brittney Marie Jones, who was a former assistant to Kelly and Brandon during their marriage. Jones's role changed after Clarkson filed for divorce, and she became a dedicated caretaker and partner to Blackstock as he faced his cancer battle. His final years were spent living a peaceful life with Jones in his Montana home, surrounded by his children and the natural beauty of the region.

The Complex Family Legacy

Brandon Blackstock’s legacy is deeply tied to the entertainment industry. He was the son of Narvel Blackstock, a highly successful music manager, and the former stepson of country icon Reba McEntire. His career as a talent manager saw him work with major artists, including Kelly Clarkson herself, and he was the CEO of Starstruck Management Group for a time.

His death leaves behind four children: Savannah and Seth from his first marriage, and River Rose and Remington Alexander from his marriage to Kelly Clarkson. The children are now navigating the loss of their father, a situation that has undoubtedly brought Kelly Clarkson and the entire Blackstock family closer together during this difficult time.

The tragic passing of Brandon Blackstock at a relatively young age serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of malignant melanoma and the private struggles faced by public figures. His memory, both as a talent manager and as a dedicated father, will be cherished by those who knew him best.