Brandon Blackstock Dies at 48 After Battle With Melanoma

Brandon Blackstock, a longtime talent manager and former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has passed away at the age of 48 following a private battle with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

A representative for the Blackstock family confirmed on Thursday that he died "peacefully," nearly three and a half years after his initial diagnosis.

The news of his passing came shortly after Clarkson announced she was postponing her Las Vegas residency to focus on caring for their two children—11-year-old daughter River and 9-year-old son Remington.

Clarkson has not issued a public statement regarding Blackstock’s death. However, sources told TMZ that the Texas native had been quietly fighting the disease for several years.

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, known for its ability to spread to other parts of the body. It often presents as a new or changing mole, and treatment typically involves surgical removal.

Blackstock and Clarkson were married in 2013 and finalized their divorce in 2022. A source told People that Clarkson was “devastated” by the news, particularly for the sake of their children.

"When she found out he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” the source shared. “Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She's been devastated for the kids."

In addition to River and Remington, Blackstock is survived by two children from a previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth: daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18.

He was the son of producer-manager Narvel Blackstock and the former stepson of country music icon Reba McEntire.