The Tragic Final Chapter: Who Was Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband, And What Happened After Their Divorce?

The name Brandon Blackstock, once synonymous with the high-profile marriage and acrimonious divorce from pop superstar Kelly Clarkson, has once again made headlines with tragic and unexpected news. As of December 2025, the conversation surrounding Clarkson’s ex-husband has shifted dramatically from divorce proceedings and spousal support to a somber reflection on his life and legacy. The talent manager and television producer passed away recently, bringing a definitive and heartbreaking close to one of Hollywood’s most talked-about relationships.

The man who spent nearly seven years married to the original American Idol winner was far more than just "Kelly Clarkson's ex." Brandon Blackstock was a successful music executive with deep roots in the country music industry, managing major stars and producing television shows before his personal life became front-page news. This is a deep dive into the life, career, and final chapter of Brandon Blackstock, including the surprising details of his divorce settlement and the circumstances of his passing.

Brandon Blackstock: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Brandon Blackstock was a well-established figure in the entertainment world, primarily known for his work as a talent manager, before his marriage to Kelly Clarkson elevated his public profile. His career and family ties connected him to some of the biggest names in the music industry.

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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 (battled for over three years)
• Father: Narvel Blackstock (Music Manager and Television Producer)
• Stepmother (Former): Reba McEntire (Country Music Icon)
• Profession: Talent Manager, Television Producer, Pilot
• Notable Clients: Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton
• Spouse (Ex): Kelly Clarkson (m. 2013; div. 2021)
• First Wife (Ex): Melissa Ashworth
• Children with Kelly Clarkson: Daughter River Rose (b. 2014) and Son Remington Alexander (b. 2016)
• Children from First Marriage: Daughter Savannah and Son Seth

Brandon's professional life was deeply intertwined with his family, as his father, Narvel Blackstock, was also a powerful manager, notably for Reba McEntire (who became Brandon's stepmother). This established network provided a strong foundation for Brandon's own career, which included managing country music powerhouse Blake Shelton.

The Shocking Final Chapter: Brandon Blackstock's Recent Passing

The most significant and recent development in the story of Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband is the news of his death. Brandon Blackstock passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 48, following a three-year battle with cancer.

The news, confirmed by his family, sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, especially given the public nature of his recent life. His death brought an unexpected finality to the years of legal and emotional turmoil that followed his split from Kelly Clarkson. The singer herself returned to her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, shortly after the news, prompting an outpouring of condolences from fans and fellow celebrities.

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The circumstances of his passing underscore the private battles that often occur behind the scenes of a very public life. While his divorce was fodder for tabloids, his health struggle remained largely out of the spotlight until his family released a statement confirming the tragic loss. Country star Reba McEntire, who was Brandon's stepmother for many years, also publicly mourned his loss, highlighting the lasting familial bonds despite the divorce from Narvel Blackstock.

The Bitter End of the Marriage and the Final Divorce Settlement Details

Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The split quickly became a contentious, multi-year legal battle, particularly over their shared assets and the custody of their two young children, River Rose and Remington Alexander. The divorce was officially finalized in 2021, but the financial and property disputes dragged on.

Key Details of the Final Financial Agreement

The final divorce settlement, which was revealed in detail, showcased the immense financial cost of the split for the Grammy winner. The terms of the agreement included several significant payments and obligations on Clarkson's part:

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• One-Time Payment: Clarkson was ordered to pay Blackstock a lump sum of $1,326,161.
• Spousal Support: She was required to pay $115,000 per month in spousal support. This substantial monthly payment was set to end on January 31, 2024.
• Child Support: Clarkson was also ordered to pay $45,601 per month in child support.
• Montana Ranch: One of the biggest points of contention was the former couple's Montana ranch. Blackstock was allowed to live at the ranch until June 2022, but he was responsible for the property's upkeep and all associated costs. Clarkson ultimately retained ownership of the property.

The end date for spousal support in January 2024 was a crucial milestone, marking the official conclusion of Clarkson’s obligation to her ex-husband. The settlement also granted Clarkson primary physical custody of their children, though they share joint legal custody. The children primarily reside in Los Angeles with Clarkson, while Blackstock had visitation rights, including one weekend a month.

Brandon Blackstock’s Life Post-Divorce and Topical Connections

Following the tumultuous divorce, Brandon Blackstock largely stepped out of the public eye, choosing to focus on his personal life and his property in Montana. His decision to move away from the Nashville entertainment scene and the Montana ranch became a central theme in the final stages of the divorce, symbolizing his shift away from the Hollywood spotlight.

His professional life was extensive, connecting him to a wide range of influential entities and individuals in the music and television industries:

• Blake Shelton: As his long-time manager, Blackstock was instrumental in Shelton's career, including his role on The Voice.
• Starstruck Entertainment: The management company founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock, which was the professional home for both Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire.
• The Voice: Kelly Clarkson's role as a coach on The Voice was managed by Blackstock, further blurring the lines between their professional and personal lives.
• Reba McEntire: His former stepmother, whose career was managed by his father, created a powerful, interconnected family and business unit in Nashville.

The story of Brandon Blackstock is a complex narrative of a successful music industry figure whose private life became unexpectedly public. His recent passing in August 2025 has brought a sudden and poignant conclusion to his story, leaving behind a legacy that is inextricably linked to his family, his career, and his years with one of the world's biggest pop stars, Kelly Clarkson.