The Tragic Truth: 5 Key Facts About The Death Of Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband, Brandon Blackstock

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The question surrounding the well-being of Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has a definitive and heartbreaking answer. As of the latest reports in August 2025, the former talent manager and father of two of Kelly Clarkson’s children has tragically passed away at the age of 48. The news, which came as a shock to many following their highly publicized divorce, has refocused attention on the private struggles of a man who was once a central figure in the entertainment industry.

The family confirmed the devastating news, revealing that Blackstock had been engaged in a private, three-year battle with cancer. His death brings a somber end to a life that included a successful career, a high-profile marriage to a global superstar, and a contentious legal separation that was finally settled just a few years prior. This article details the final years of his life, the circumstances of his passing, and the impact of his death on the Clarkson-Blackstock family.

Brandon Blackstock: A Complete Biography and Profile

Narvel Brandon Blackstock, known professionally as Brandon Blackstock, was a talent manager, music executive, and pilot whose life was intrinsically linked to country music and Hollywood royalty. His career and personal life were often intertwined with some of the biggest names in the industry.

  • Full Name: Narvel Brandon Blackstock
  • Date of Birth: December 16, 1976
  • Place of Birth: Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
  • Date of Death: August 7, 2025
  • Age at Death: 48
  • Cause of Death: Cancer (with seizures reportedly contributing to his passing)
  • Parents: Narvel Blackstock (Music Manager) and Elisa Gayle Ritter
  • Stepmother: Reba McEntire (married to his father from 1989 to 2015)
  • Occupation: Talent Manager, Music Executive, Pilot
  • Spouses: Melissa Ashworth (m. 2001; div. 2012), Kelly Clarkson (m. 2013; div. 2022)
  • Children: Savannah Blackstock, Seth Blackstock (from first marriage); River Rose Blackstock, Remington Alexander Blackstock (with Kelly Clarkson)
  • Estimated Net Worth at Death: $10 million

The Confirmed Cause of Death: A Private Health Battle

The speculation that followed the initial reports of Brandon Blackstock's passing was quickly put to rest by an official family statement. His death at age 48 was confirmed to be the result of a long-term, private health struggle.

A Three-Year Battle with Cancer

Blackstock had been bravely battling cancer for over three years, a fight he kept largely out of the public eye while focusing on his life in Montana. This revelation stunned fans and the media, who had been preoccupied with the contentious details of his divorce from Kelly Clarkson.

Contributing Factors: Seizures

Further details from his death certificate revealed that seizures were a contributing factor to his death. This suggests the cancer and its complications had severely impacted his health in the final stages of his life. The family’s decision to keep his illness private allowed him to live his final years away from the intense media scrutiny that had characterized his marriage and divorce.

The news of his passing resurfaced the complex details of his divorce settlement with Kelly Clarkson, particularly the highly contested ownership of the Montana ranch.

The Aftermath: Kelly Clarkson’s Grief and the Divorce Context

While their separation was famously acrimonious, marked by legal battles over assets like their Montana property and the validity of their prenuptial agreement, the news of Blackstock’s death has elicited a deep, emotional response from the singer.

A Mother's Devastation for Her Children

Sources close to the Grammy winner confirmed that Kelly Clarkson was "devastated" by the news, primarily for the sake of their two young children, River Rose and Remington Alexander. The focus immediately shifted to how the children would process the loss of their father, a man who, despite the divorce, remained a constant in their lives.

Clarkson reportedly remained protective of Blackstock even after learning of his illness, a testament to the complex, enduring bond between them as co-parents. She has since shared rare reflections on grief on her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, expressing the universal nature of loss and how it teaches "what matters most."

The Final Chapter of the Montana Ranch Battle

Blackstock's death also brings a final, unexpected end to the saga of the $17.7 million Montana ranch, a key point of contention in their divorce. The settlement, finalized in 2022, stipulated that Clarkson would retain ownership of the ranch, but Blackstock was allowed to reside there until June, provided he paid $2,000 a month in rent.

The ranch was where Blackstock had relocated to pursue his new career path as a rancher, a move that symbolized his desire to step away from the music business. The settlement also included Clarkson paying a substantial one-time payment, monthly spousal support of $115,000 until January 2024, and $45,601 a month in child support.

Brandon Blackstock’s Life Post-Clarkson: New Love and New Beginnings

In the final years of his life, Brandon Blackstock found new love and a quiet life away from the spotlight in Montana, a period he reportedly cherished.

Finding a 'Soulmate' in Brittney Jones

At the time of his death, Blackstock was in a committed relationship with his "soulmate," Brittney Jones. Jones, who had previously worked as a production assistant for Kelly Clarkson from 2016 to 2018, moved to Montana with Blackstock in 2020. She was reportedly by his side throughout his three-year cancer battle, providing care and support until the end.

The relationship was a significant part of his post-divorce life, allowing him to transition from the high-pressure world of celebrity management to a more private existence focused on ranching and his family.

The Blackstock Family Legacy

Brandon Blackstock’s family ties run deep in the music industry. His father, Narvel Blackstock, is a prominent music manager and producer, and his former stepmother is country music icon Reba McEntire. McEntire, who was married to Narvel for 26 years, had a close relationship with Brandon and was reportedly heartbroken by the news, reflecting the deep, interwoven history of the Blackstock and McEntire families.

Brandon's own career included managing major artists, most notably Blake Shelton, and co-founding Starstruck Entertainment with his father. His legacy, however, will be most remembered for his role as a father to his four children and the complicated, yet profound, relationship he shared with one of pop music's biggest stars.

did kelly clarkson's ex-husband die
did kelly clarkson's ex-husband die

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