The Unexpected Truth: Did Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband Die? Inside Brandon Blackstock's Tragic Final Years

The question "Did Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband die?" has been tragically answered with a confirmation that has shocked fans and the entertainment industry. As of the latest updates in late 2025, Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of the "Since U Been Gone" singer, passed away at the age of 48 following a years-long battle with cancer. The news brings a somber and definitive end to the highly publicized and often contentious chapter of his life with the pop superstar, focusing a new light on his personal struggles and the legacy he leaves behind. This article provides the most current and comprehensive details surrounding the life and recent death of Brandon Blackstock, including the specifics of his final years, the outcome of his high-stakes divorce from Kelly Clarkson, and the full story of his career as a talent manager and producer. The finality of his death in 2025 provides a stark and emotional conclusion to the legal and personal drama that dominated headlines for years.

Brandon Blackstock: A Complete Biography and Profile

Brandon Blackstock was a notable figure in the music industry long before his marriage to Kelly Clarkson, largely due to his family connections and his own successful career as a talent manager and television producer. * Full Name: Narvel Brandon Blackstock * Date of Birth: December 16, 1976 * Place of Birth: Fort Worth, Texas, USA * Age at Death: 48 * Date of Death: Thursday, August 7, 2025 * Cause of Death: Cancer, following a three-year battle * Parents: Narvel Blackstock (Father) and Elisa Gayle Ritter (Mother) * Stepmother: Reba McEntire (Narvel Blackstock's second wife, making Reba Brandon's former stepmother) * Profession: Talent Manager, TV Producer, Pilot * Known For: Managing artists including Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton. * First Wife: Melissa Ashworth (Married 1999, Divorced 2012) * Second Wife: Kelly Clarkson (Married October 2013, Filed for Divorce June 2020, Finalized 2022) * Children: Four total: Savannah Blackstock and Seth Blackstock (from first marriage); River Rose Blackstock and Remington Alexander Blackstock (with Kelly Clarkson). Brandon Blackstock's career saw him rise to prominence in Nashville, Tennessee, where he worked as a talent manager. He notably managed the careers of two of the biggest names in country and pop music: Blake Shelton and, later, Kelly Clarkson, a professional relationship that blossomed into a personal one. He was also credited as a television producer on various projects.

The Confirmed Cause of Death: Brandon Blackstock's Private Battle

The most urgent question surrounding the former talent manager has been definitively answered: Brandon Blackstock passed away after a prolonged fight with cancer. A representative for the family confirmed the tragic news, stating that Blackstock had bravely battled the disease for more than three years. The death occurred on a Thursday in August 2025, bringing an end to the life of the father of four. The news arrived as a shock to many, as Blackstock had maintained a relatively private life, especially in the years following his contentious divorce from Kelly Clarkson. While the specifics of the cancer were not widely publicized, the Silver Bow County Coroner confirmed the death was due to "natural causes" related to his illness. The revelation of his illness adds a layer of unexpected tragedy to the already dramatic narrative of his final years, which were heavily focused on legal and financial disputes. The Blackstock family, including his children and his loving partner, Brittney Marie, who was mentioned in his obituary, requested privacy during this difficult time. His legacy is set to live on through The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana, a passion project he dedicated himself to after shifting away from the entertainment industry.

The End of the Legal Saga: Divorce, Spousal Support, and the Montana Ranch

The public perception of Brandon Blackstock in his final years was largely dominated by the high-profile divorce and subsequent legal battles with Kelly Clarkson. Their split, initiated in June 2020, was finalized in 2022, but the financial and property disputes lingered, creating a complicated and emotionally taxing period for both parties.

The Prenup and Property Battle

The most contentious part of the divorce centered on the Montana ranch, a sprawling $10.4 million property that Kelly Clarkson had purchased in 2019. Blackstock argued for ownership of the property, despite a prenuptial agreement (prenup) that a Los Angeles judge ultimately upheld. The judge's ruling was clear: the Montana ranch belonged to Kelly Clarkson. Blackstock was eventually ordered to move out of the property by June of the final settlement year, though he was allowed to stay temporarily while paying Clarkson $2,000 per month in rent. This legal struggle showcased the financial complexity of their separation and the lengths to which the property dispute was taken.

Spousal and Child Support Details

The divorce settlement also included significant financial provisions. Clarkson was ordered to pay Blackstock a substantial amount in spousal support—$115,000 per month—but this payment was set to end on January 31, 2024. The former couple, who share two children, River Rose Blackstock and Remington Alexander Blackstock, agreed to joint physical and legal custody. Clarkson was also required to pay $45,601 per month in child support to Blackstock until their children turn 18. These financial and custody arrangements were the final legal ties between the former couple, concluded just prior to the revelation of Blackstock's death.

Brandon Blackstock's Lasting Legacy Beyond Kelly Clarkson

While the narrative of his life became inextricably linked with the pop star, Brandon Blackstock's impact extended far beyond his marriage. His professional life as a talent manager in the Nashville music scene was highly respected, and he played a key role in the careers of major artists. Post-divorce, Blackstock stepped away from the entertainment industry to pursue his passion for ranching and rodeo life in Montana. This pivot was a conscious effort to find peace and a new direction away from the public eye. He established The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana, a venture that his obituary highlighted as a significant part of his life and a lasting legacy. His passing, though tragic and premature, has prompted a wave of reflection on his life, his role as a father to his four children—Savannah, Seth, River Rose, and Remington Alexander—and his resilience in the face of a difficult divorce and a private health battle. The news serves as a poignant reminder of the personal struggles that often remain hidden behind celebrity headlines. The emotional fallout from his death is undoubtedly immense for his family, including his ex-wife Kelly Clarkson, who previously described their divorce as "extraordinarily hard." The closure of the legal battles, followed so closely by this personal tragedy, marks a definitive and final chapter for everyone involved in the life of Brandon Blackstock.