Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Fought Secret Melanoma After Divorce
Jaden Patel here. Ah yes, another thrilling chapter in Hollywood heartbreak.
Brandon Blackstock received a cancer diagnosis after his divorce from Kelly Clarkson, only to lose a private battle a few years later. According to People Magazine, the former talent manager was diagnosed following the split and spent more than three years fighting melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that eventually took his life on August 7 at age 48.
Blackstock and the pop superstar married in 2013 and welcomed two children: daughter River, now 11, and son Remington, now 9. He was also father to two older children, Savannah and Seth, from his first marriage. Seven years into their union, Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2022, with Clarkson awarded primary custody of their young duo, per court records.
In a heartfelt statement obtained by The Post, Blackstock’s family confirmed his passing and revealed he battled cancer privately. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,” the statement read. “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 later specified that melanoma was the culprit.
Just one day before his death, Clarkson made the difficult decision to postpone the remainder of her August Las Vegas residency dates. On August 6 she posted on Instagram: “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas. While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets, and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
Insider details obtained by People Magazine suggest Clarkson has been “devastated” by the situation, particularly for the sake of their children. “When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” the source said. Despite the highly publicized and at times “messy, painful” divorce proceedings, Clarkson prioritized maintaining Blackstock’s relationship with their kids and never spoke ill of him to them.
Page Six later confirmed that the singer juggled her demanding work schedule while caring for her ex behind the scenes. “It’s been exhausting and so sad,” an insider told the outlet. “Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father.”
Between canceled shows and private hospital visits, Clarkson has demonstrated a rare blend of professionalism and compassion under trying circumstances. Her fans and fellow artists alike have flooded social media with support for the singer and her family as they navigate life after this quietly heroic battle.
Well, there you have it. Just another day in paradise, sprinkled with a dose of human fragility.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, TMZ, The Post, Page Six
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
