Kelly Clarkson’s Ex Brandon Blackstock Died of Melanoma, Coroner Confirms
Riley Carter here. Okay, but like… this is sad and also complicated, so let’s keep it clear.
Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock died on August 7 at age 48 from melanoma, the Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis confirmed to PEOPLE. The coroner ruled the manner of death natural causes. According to Hollis, Blackstock “passed away peacefully at his home in Butte, Montana under hospice care surrounded by his family.” A family representative had announced his passing the week prior, noting he “bravely battled cancer for more than three years.”
Yes, the timing stung: Clarkson abruptly canceled the remaining August dates of her Las Vegas residency just a day before Blackstock’s death. In an Instagram statement, she explained that while she generally keeps personal matters private, “this past year, my children’s father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.” She apologized to ticket holders and thanked fans for “grace, kindness and understanding.” That public pause matched the private reality: sources told PEOPLE Clarkson has been emotionally protective of her children during their dad’s decline and “devastated” by the loss.
Clarkson and Blackstock were married in 2013 after a professional relationship — he was her talent manager at the time. Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, and the split turned into a protracted custody and support negotiation. The divorce was finalized in 2022, with Clarkson awarded primary custody of their two children, daughter River, born in 2014, and son Remington, born in 2016. Financial terms included Blackstock receiving $115,000 per month in spousal support until January 2024 and a child support sum of $45,600 per month. Those numbers were widely reported at the time and became a frequent talking point in celebrity coverage of the divorce.
Beyond his marriage to Clarkson, Blackstock had two older children from his prior marriage to Melissa Ashworth: daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18. Savannah became a mother in 2022, making Blackstock a grandfather to baby Lake. He was also known for his family ties to country star Reba McEntire; Blackstock was a stepson of McEntire through earlier family connections, which placed him in country music circles before his association with Clarkson.
Public reactions have been measured and sympathetic. A source who spoke with PEOPLE emphasized that Clarkson tried to remain “classy” throughout Blackstock’s illness, and that she prioritized shielding their children from the worst of it. The family statement released when his death was first announced requested privacy and thanked well-wishers for their thoughts and prayers.
Melanoma, the cause listed by the coroner, is an aggressive form of skin cancer that can be deadly if not caught early. The fact that Blackstock was in hospice care indicates his illness had progressed to a terminal stage. The coroner’s confirmation of natural causes closes one public chapter but opens private ones for a blended family that includes young children and a new grandchild.
This story is evolving, and outlets including PEOPLE and initial family statements reported the core facts. Expect more statements from family members or representatives as arrangements and private remembrances are confirmed.
Okay cool, so like, yeah, that happened.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and PEOPLE, New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
