The Tragic Final Chapter: 5 Shocking Facts About Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband, Brandon Blackstock

The life and recent passing of Brandon Blackstock, the former husband and manager of superstar Kelly Clarkson, has once again placed him at the center of public attention. As of today, December 15, 2025, the most compelling and tragic news is the revelation that Blackstock passed away at the age of 48 after a private, three-year battle with cancer, a development that shocked fans and the entertainment industry alike.

This devastating news follows a tumultuous period that included a highly publicized and contentious divorce from Clarkson, which was finalized in 2022. The narrative surrounding Blackstock has shifted dramatically from a high-profile talent manager and celebrity spouse to a man who sought a quiet life in Montana, battling a severe illness away from the spotlight while finding a new "soulmate."

Brandon Blackstock: A Complete Biography and Profile

Brandon Blackstock was a successful talent manager and the son of an entertainment industry powerhouse, making his own mark long before his marriage to Kelly Clarkson. His life was deeply rooted in the music business, a legacy he inherited from his family.

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• Full Name: Narvel Brandon Blackstock
• Date of Birth: December 16, 1976
• Place of Birth: Fort Worth, Texas, USA
• Date of Death: August 7, 2025
• Age at Death: 48
• Cause of Death: Cancer (after a three-year battle)
• Parents: Narvel Blackstock (Father, music manager) and Elisa Gayle Ritter (Mother)
• Stepmother: Country music icon Reba McEntire (married to Narvel from 1989 to 2015)
• Career: Talent Manager, working at Starstruck Entertainment (his father's firm), managing artists including Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, and Rascal Flatts.
• Spouses: Melissa Ashworth (m. 2001; div. 2012), Kelly Clarkson (m. 2013; div. 2022)
• Children: Two children from his first marriage (Savannah and Seth), and two children with Kelly Clarkson (River Rose and Remington Alexander).

The Secret Three-Year Cancer Battle and Final Days

One of the most surprising and emotional details to emerge following Brandon Blackstock's passing was the fact that he had been secretly battling a severe form of cancer for three years. The news of his death on August 7, 2025, was confirmed by a family representative, who noted that he "bravely battled cancer."

The decision to keep the illness private meant that the public was unaware of his deteriorating health, only learning of his struggle after his death. Kelly Clarkson herself had hinted at his illness shortly before his passing, postponing some of her "Studio 1A" appearances and mentioning that her ex-husband had been ill.

A New Life and a 'Loving Partner' in Montana

After the finalization of his divorce from Kelly Clarkson in 2022, Blackstock moved to his Montana property, where he focused on his ranching and outdoor life. His obituary revealed he had found a new, quiet happiness in Judith Basin County, Montana, pursuing his passion for ranching and fishing.

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Crucially, the obituary also introduced his "beautiful and loving partner in life and business," Brittney, who was described as his "soulmate." Brittney was reportedly living with Blackstock at the time of his death, providing care and companionship during his final years and battle with the illness.

The Contentious $10.4 Million Montana Ranch Divorce Battle

The divorce between Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock, filed in June 2020, was protracted and highly contentious, lasting nearly two years. The final settlement, which was reached in 2022, involved significant legal disputes, particularly over the ownership of their $10.4 million ranch in Montana.

Clarkson had filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences" and later spoke publicly about the emotional toll of the separation, which served as inspiration for her album Chemistry.

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Key Details of the Final Divorce Settlement

The most public aspect of their legal battle centered on the massive Montana property, which Blackstock argued was community property and where he wished to reside permanently to pursue his ranching career.

The final ruling, however, upheld the couple's prenuptial agreement, ultimately awarding Kelly Clarkson full ownership of the $10.4 million ranch. Despite this, the settlement included a few key concessions for Blackstock:

• Temporary Residence: Blackstock was allowed to live at the ranch until June 2022, provided he paid the monthly $81,000 in costs.
• Financial Compensation: Clarkson was ordered to pay Blackstock a one-time, tax-free sum of $1.3 million, along with a significant monthly spousal support payment of $115,000 until January 2024.
• Ranch Percentage: In a final agreement, Clarkson also gave Blackstock a small percentage (5%) of the Montana ranch's value, which amounted to approximately $908,000.

The divorce also established joint legal and physical custody of their two young children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, with Clarkson having primary physical custody in Los Angeles.

Brandon Blackstock’s Legacy and Family Ties

Beyond his marriage to a pop star, Brandon Blackstock was a deeply connected figure in the country music world. His father, Narvel Blackstock, was a manager for numerous country acts, and his former stepmother, Reba McEntire, is a legend in the genre.

As a talent manager at Starstruck Entertainment, Blackstock played a key role in the careers of major artists, including Blake Shelton, who was the one who introduced Brandon to Kelly Clarkson at a rehearsal for the American Country Music Awards. His work in the industry and his family connections solidify his place as more than just "Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband," but as a significant entity within the music business.

His passing at a relatively young age has brought a somber close to his chapter in the public eye. The final years of his life, spent pursuing a simpler existence in Montana with a new partner while privately battling a terminal illness, reveal a profound desire for peace and privacy after years under the intense scrutiny of a Hollywood marriage and divorce.