The Tragic Final Chapter: Inside The Life, Divorce, And Sudden Death Of Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband, Brandon Blackstock

The news of Brandon Blackstock's death in August 2025 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, bringing a tragic and unexpected conclusion to the highly publicized post-divorce life of Kelly Clarkson's former husband. For years, Blackstock was known primarily as the man who married one of the world's biggest pop stars and later became embroiled in one of Hollywood's most contentious and costly divorce battles. However, his life was far more complex, rooted deep in the Nashville music scene as a respected talent manager and a father of four. This article dives deep into the full biography of Brandon Blackstock, the dramatic details of his final divorce settlement with Kelly Clarkson, and the circumstances surrounding his sudden passing.

The talent manager, who was 48 at the time of his death, had been living a private life in Montana, reportedly with a new "loving partner," after the high-profile separation from the "Since U Been Gone" singer. His passing from a private, three-year battle with cancer has resurfaced many of the painful details of his split from Clarkson, including the massive alimony payments and the fight over their multi-million dollar property holdings, offering a final, heartbreaking perspective on a life defined by music, family, and public scrutiny.

Brandon Blackstock: A Complete Biography and Family Profile

Brandon Blackstock was a prominent figure in the music business long before his relationship with Kelly Clarkson began, thanks to his deep roots in the Nashville country music industry. He was a second-generation music executive, a father, and a former talent manager to some of the biggest names in the business.

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Full Name: Brandon Blackstock

Date of Birth: December 16, 1976

Place of Birth: Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.

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Date of Death: August 7, 2025

Age at Death: 48

Cause of Death: Malignant Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

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Parents: Narvel Blackstock (Father) and Elisa Gayle Ritter (Mother)

Stepmother: Reba McEntire (Narvel Blackstock’s second wife, whom Brandon grew up with)

Career: Talent Manager, Television Producer

Management Company: Starstruck Management Group (Co-owned with his father)

Spouses:

• Melissa Ashworth (Divorced)
• Kelly Clarkson (Married 2013, Divorced 2022)

Children: Brandon Blackstock was a father of four, two from each marriage:

• Savannah Blackstock (with Melissa Ashworth)
• Seth Blackstock (with Melissa Ashworth)
• River Rose Blackstock (with Kelly Clarkson, born 2014)
• Remington Alexander Blackstock (with Kelly Clarkson, born 2016)

A Career Built in Nashville: Starstruck Management Group and High-Profile Clients

Brandon Blackstock’s professional life was intrinsically tied to the country music scene. His father, Narvel Blackstock, is a well-known music executive who founded the powerhouse Starstruck Management Group. Brandon began working alongside his father at Starstruck Management Group in 2006, helping to manage a roster of top-tier country artists.

His work as a talent manager positioned him as a respected figure, responsible for guiding the careers of multiple high-profile clients. His most famous clients included his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, and country superstar Blake Shelton, who was also his best man at his wedding to Clarkson. Other notable artists he worked with through Starstruck Entertainment included Carly Pearce and Emily Ann.

The company, Starstruck, became a major entity in the industry, and Brandon’s role as a manager for such successful artists contributed significantly to his estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his death. His professional relationship with Clarkson began when he became her manager, eventually leading to their personal relationship and marriage in 2013.

The Bitter Divorce and Resurfaced Financial Details

Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences, which began a protracted and often bitter legal battle that lasted nearly two years. The divorce was officially finalized in March 2022, but the financial and property disputes continued to make headlines, especially the fight over their $17.75 million ranch in Montana, known as Vintage Valley.

The $1.3 Million Settlement and Alimony

The financial terms of the settlement were highly scrutinized, particularly the significant spousal support payments Clarkson was ordered to pay. As part of the final agreement, Clarkson was required to pay Brandon Blackstock a one-time, tax-free lump sum of $1,326,161. Additionally, she was ordered to pay a substantial amount in monthly spousal support, which was $115,000 per month, though this was set to expire in January 2024. The singer was also ordered to pay $45,601 per month in child support for their two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander.

The Battle for the Montana Ranch

One of the most contentious aspects of the divorce was the ownership of the Montana ranch. A judge ultimately ruled that the property, which was purchased during the marriage, belonged entirely to Kelly Clarkson. However, as part of the settlement to expedite his move, Blackstock was given a small ownership stake—5% of the property's value—totaling around $908,000. He was allowed to reside at the ranch until June of the settlement year, but was required to pay Clarkson $2,000 per month in rent until he vacated the property.

Brandon Blackstock's Final Years and Tragic Passing

Following the finalization of the divorce, Brandon Blackstock retreated from the public eye, choosing to live a more private life in Montana. He had shifted his focus away from music management to pursue a career as a rancher, embracing a lifestyle he reportedly loved.

A Private Battle with Cancer

The news of his death on August 7, 2025, came as a shock to the public, though it was revealed he had been battling cancer privately for three years. His death certificate later confirmed the cause to be malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, with the manner of death listed as natural causes. The news broke just one day after Kelly Clarkson had suspended her Las Vegas residency, leading to an outpouring of sympathy and a renewed focus on the complex, often difficult, relationship he shared with the singer.

The Legacy of a Father and Manager

Despite the contentious divorce, both Kelly Clarkson and Blackstock's family emphasized his role as a dedicated father to his four children: Savannah, Seth, River Rose, and Remington Alexander. His obituary also mentioned a "loving partner" he was living with in Montana, suggesting he found peace and happiness in his final years. Brandon Blackstock's legacy remains a blend of his professional success managing stars like Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce, his high-profile marriage to Kelly Clarkson, and the quiet, heartbreaking conclusion to his life after a private health battle.

The details of his passing underscore the human element behind the celebrity headlines, reminding the public that the contentious divorce saga was only one chapter in the life of a man who was deeply connected to the music world and his family. The resurfaced details of the settlement—the lump sum payment, the alimony, and the fight for the ranch—now serve as a final, dramatic footnote to a life that ended too soon.