Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Dies After Three-Year Battle with Melanoma
Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and one-time manager, passed away at age 48 following a three-and-a-half-year fight against melanoma.
Hi, I’m Riley Carter. Okay, but like… why is this a thing?
The whole thing went down earlier today, according to a joint family statement obtained by TMZ. It reads, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
TMZ sources with direct knowledge confirm the former entertainment manager had been fighting a serious form of skin cancer known as melanoma. People magazine first reported the heartbreaking news of his death, explaining he lost his battle this morning.
Fans may recall Clarkson delaying her Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace earlier this year. In a statement published by People, the singer said she needed to stay by her kids’ side while Blackstock dealt with his health issues.
Their relationship started in a pretty classic Hollywood way. The duo met during a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards back in 2006 but didn’t start dating until they crossed paths again at Super Bowl XLVI in early 2012. Engagement rumors were confirmed later that year, and they tied the knot in October 2013.
During their marriage, Clarkson and Blackstock welcomed daughter River Rose in June 2014 and son Remington in April 2016. Clarkson has credited her ex with encouraging her to launch her own talk show, a career pivot that landed her The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019.
In June 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The split was finalized in March 2022, but both parties remained focused on co-parenting their two children.
Before his personal life became tabloid fodder, Blackstock was carving out a reputation in the music business. He got his start at Starstruck Entertainment, the company founded by his father, where he managed big names like Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts.
Staffers at Clarkson’s show were reportedly aware of Blackstock’s illness months before the public learned about it, but kept it private to honor Kelly and Brandon’s wishes. Recent rumors about Clarkson’s absences on The Kelly Clarkson Show have now been tied back to these health struggles.
If this goes viral, just remember who spilled the tea.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
