Brandon Blackstock, former talent manager and ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has died at 48 after a private three-year battle with cancer, marking a poignant moment in the life of the former couple and their children.
Brandon Blackstock: A Life in Love, Family, and Legacy
Personal Life of Brandon Blackstock
- Full Name: Brandon Blackstock
- Date of Birth: December 16, 1976
- Place of Birth: Fort Worth, Texas, USA
- Parents: Narvel Blackstock (renowned music manager) and Elisa Gayle Ritter.
- Stepmother: Country music legend Reba McEntire, during his father’s marriage to her.
Marriages & Relationships
- First Marriage: To Melissa Ashworth – together they had two children: Savannah and Seth.
- Second Marriage: Married singer Kelly Clarkson in 2013.
- Children with Kelly Clarkson: Daughter River Rose (born 2014) and son Remington Alexander (born 2016).
- Brandon and Kelly divorced in 2022 after nearly nine years of marriage.
Reason for Divorce
Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. Reports suggested ongoing conflicts over lifestyle choices, career directions, and financial matters. The divorce, finalized in 2022, also involved a highly publicized settlement over property, spousal support, and custody of their two children.
Brandon Blackstock: Career Highlights & Notable Projects
Career Highlights & Achievements
- Talent Manager – Managed high-profile country music stars including Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, and other Nashville-based artists.
- Music Industry Legacy – Followed in the footsteps of his father, Narvel Blackstock, a prominent music manager.
- Executive Producer – Credited as an executive producer for TV and live music projects.
- Television Production – Worked behind the scenes on multiple entertainment productions involving the artists he managed.
- Music Business Contributions – Played a key role in coordinating tours, live performances, and artist promotions for country music’s top names.
Notable Projects
- Blake Shelton Live: It’s All About Tonight – Executive Producer (TV special).
- The Kelly Clarkson Show – Involved during the early stages while married to Kelly Clarkson, supporting its production and promotional strategy.
- Artist tours for Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, and other country acts.
Projects After Divorce
- Following his 2022 divorce from Kelly Clarkson, Brandon Blackstock stepped back from high-profile artist management. He focused on select music industry projects, behind-the-scenes production work, and business ventures, maintaining a lower public profile while prioritizing family life.
Kelly Clarkson’s Journey After Divorce
Since finalizing her divorce from Brandon Blackstock in 2022, Kelly Clarkson has embraced a new chapter focused on personal growth, parenting, and her career. She continues to host The Kelly Clarkson Show, delighting audiences with her signature “Kellyoke” performances and celebrity interviews. Musically, she has released new work reflecting her personal experiences, blending pop and soulful storytelling. Kelly also headlined a Las Vegas residency, receiving critical acclaim for her powerful vocals. Choosing to remain single, she prioritizes her two children, River and Remington, and speaks openly about self-care, healing, and finding joy post-divorce.
Brandon Blackstock’s passing marks the end of a remarkable journey in music and family life. His legacy as a talent manager, father, and partner leaves an enduring influence, remembered fondly by loved ones and the artists he championed.