Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock’s Cause Of Death Confirmed
Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s cause of death has been confirmed, following the music manager’s passing last week at the age of 48.
Blackstock, the former stepson of country music legend Reba McEntire, married Clarkson in 2013.
The pair went on to have two children together: daughter River, 11, and son Remington ‘Remy,’ 9.
His death came just one day after Clarkson postponed the remaining dates of her Las Vegas residency.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” the American Idol alum wrote on Instagram.
“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 to the shows. I so appreciate your grace, kindness, and understanding.”
Clarkson and Blackstock first met in 2006 during a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards.
The singer later recalled how she felt an instant connection.
“This guy walks by, making everybody laugh,” she told People in 2013. “I said, ‘I’m gonna end up with him. I know it.’”
Blackstock was also father to daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth
He became a grandfather in 2022 when Savannah welcomed her son, Lake
Following his death, a source told Peoplethat Clarkson is ‘devastated’ for their children.
“When she found out he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” the insider said
“Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids.”
Clarkson reportedly missed 10 episodes of her NBC talk show earlier this year as Blackstock’s health declined
The Kelly Clarkson Show will return for its seventh season this fall, and Clarkson’s Las Vegas residency is expected to resume in November
Their relationship was both romantic and professional, with Blackstock managing Clarkson through Starstruck Management, a company founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock.
In June 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences
Their divorce was finalized in 2022, with Clarkson receiving primary custody of their children.
Blackstock was awarded $115,000 a month in spousal support until January 2024, along with $45,600 per month in child support, as per the New York Post
Through both family ties and his own career, he worked closely with some of the biggest names in country and pop music.
He managed artists, including Blake Shelton, and also served as road manager for Rascal Flatts.
Blackstock’s roots in the music industry ran deep. His father, Narvel, was married to Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015, making Blackstock her stepson for more than two decades.
“Brandon’s been my son forever, it seems. Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total – my blood.” McEntire previously told Entertainment Tonight
Narvel and McEntire’s son, Shelby, is Blackstock’s half-brother. Additionally, he leaves behind his other siblings, Shawna and Chassidy.
McEntire also remained close with Clarkson, due to their professional links through TV‘s The Voice, where Kelly was a coach and Reba was a mega-mentor.
“We don’t get to see each other as much as we used to, and I hate that,” McEntire told E! News in 2018
In a statement, a representative for the family told People: “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.”
Blackstock’s cause of death has now been confirmed
Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis revealed the news in a statement to People
Hollis told the outlet: “Brandon Blackstock passed away peacefully at his home in Butte, Montana, on August 7 under hospice care surrounded by his family
The coroner confirmed that Blackstock died from melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and that his death was ruled as natural causes.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It’s the most common form of cancer in the U.S., according to the Melanoma Research Foundation.
It can develop anywhere on the body – even in areas not exposed to the sun – and affects men and women almost equally.
Nearly 90% of melanomas are caused by UV exposure from sunlight or tanning beds.
Even one blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk later in life. Using tanning beds before age 30 increases the risk by 75%.
To reduce the risk, experts recommend seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
