The Shocking Truth: Did Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Die? Confirmed Details Of His Passing

The widespread rumors and searches concerning the fate of Kelly Clarkson’s former husband, Brandon Blackstock, have unfortunately been confirmed. As of today, December 10, 2025, the answer to the urgent question "Did Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband die?" is a confirmed and tragic yes. Blackstock, a well-known talent manager and television producer, passed away earlier this year in August 2025 at the age of 48 after a courageous, private battle with cancer.

The sudden and premature death of Brandon Blackstock has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, resurfacing details of his high-profile divorce from the "Since U Been Gone" singer and daytime talk show host, Kelly Clarkson. His passing marks a somber conclusion to a complicated chapter in both their lives, leaving behind four children and a legacy tied to some of country music's biggest names. This in-depth report provides the confirmed details of his death, the cause, and the lasting impact on his family and the complex divorce settlement.

Brandon Blackstock: A Complete Biography and Legacy

Brandon Blackstock was much more than just Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband; he was a respected figure within the Nashville music scene, born into one of country music's most influential families. His career as a talent manager saw him represent some of the biggest names in the business, building a substantial legacy independent of his famous spouse.

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• Full Name: Brandon Blackstock
• Born: December 19, 1976
• Died: August 7, 2025
• Age at Death: 48
• Cause of Death: Cancer (Melanoma)
• Parents: Narvel Blackstock (father, talent manager) and Elisa Gayle Ritter (mother)
• Stepmother: Reba McEntire (former)
• Profession: Talent Manager, TV Producer, Ranch Owner
• Notable Clients: Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson (during their marriage)
• Marriages:
  • Melissa Ashworth (1999–2012)
  • Kelly Clarkson (2013–2022)
• Children:
  • Savannah Blackstock (from first marriage)
  • Seth Blackstock (from first marriage)
  • River Rose Blackstock (with Kelly Clarkson)
  • Remington Alexander Blackstock (with Kelly Clarkson)
• Estimated Net Worth (at time of death): Approximately $10–$11 million

Blackstock's professional life was deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. He worked at Starstruck Entertainment, the Nashville management company co-founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock, and his former stepmother, country music icon Reba McEntire. He notably managed Blake Shelton and later took over the management of Kelly Clarkson, a role that eventually blossomed into their romantic relationship.

The Confirmed Cause of Brandon Blackstock's Death

The news of Brandon Blackstock's death in August 2025 was accompanied by the confirmation that he had succumbed to a long-term illness. The official cause of death was confirmed as an aggressive form of cancer, specifically melanoma, which he had been battling privately for over three years. He passed away peacefully at his home in Montana, where he had been receiving hospice care.

The privacy surrounding his illness meant that the news came as a shock to many fans and even some industry colleagues, despite the public nature of his recent divorce. His family released a statement confirming the passing, emphasizing his "brave battle" and requesting privacy during their time of grief.

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The tragedy highlights the intensely personal challenges that often occur behind the scenes of celebrity life, even amidst the most public legal battles. The focus now shifts to the well-being of his four children and how his death impacts the final, sensitive arrangements of his divorce from Kelly Clarkson.

The Final Fallout: How Blackstock's Death Impacts the Divorce Settlement and Children

The tumultuous and highly publicized divorce between Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock, which began in 2020, was finalized in 2022, but the financial and custody details remained a significant part of the public conversation. Blackstock’s passing in August 2025 brings a sudden and definitive end to the ongoing financial obligations and legal entanglements that defined their post-marital relationship.

Alimony and Financial Obligations

One of the most contentious points of the divorce was the substantial spousal support Clarkson was ordered to pay. Initially, a judge mandated a temporary payment of $150,000 per month, along with $45,601 in child support. While the spousal support payments were set to end in January 2024, Blackstock’s death in August 2025 completely terminates any remaining spousal or financial obligations tied to him personally. This provides a clear, albeit tragic, resolution to the financial disputes that had plagued the former couple for years.

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The Montana Ranch Dispute

The $10.4 million Montana ranch, where Blackstock had been living, was a central battleground in the divorce. The court ultimately awarded the property to Clarkson, as it was purchased during their marriage using her money. However, as part of the settlement, Blackstock was given the right to reside there until June 2022, and was even granted a small 5% ownership stake, valued at over $900,000. His death definitively resolves the ownership of the property, which is now fully under Clarkson's control, free of any prior residency stipulations.

Child Custody and The Children's Future

The most sensitive aspect of Blackstock’s passing is the impact on the two children he shared with Kelly Clarkson: River Rose and Remington Alexander. The final divorce agreement granted Clarkson primary physical custody in Los Angeles, while Blackstock had them one weekend a month. With his death, Clarkson now assumes sole physical and legal custody of the two minor children. She is also the primary guardian for his two children from his first marriage, Savannah and Seth, who will undoubtedly be supported by their mother, Melissa Ashworth, and their extended family. The focus for Kelly Clarkson will now shift entirely to helping her children navigate the grief of losing their father and ensuring their emotional well-being.

The tragic news of Brandon Blackstock’s death provides a definitive, heartbreaking answer to the public's curiosity. It closes the book on one of Hollywood's messiest divorces and leaves a lasting impact on the lives of Kelly Clarkson, her children, and the entire Blackstock-McEntire family network. The outpouring of support from fans and colleagues reflects the profound sadness surrounding the loss of a talent manager and a father at such a young age.