Brandon Blackstock has died.
Brandon Blackstock, once married to Kelly Clarkson and the former stepson of Reba McEntire, has died at the age of 48, US Weekly has confirmed. Blackstock built a reputation in the entertainment world as a talent manager who guided the careers of several notable artists.
The family spokesperson confirmed Brandon Blackstock’s passing to People, who registered the family’s statement: “It is with tremendous sadness that we announce Brandon’s death.
For more than three years, he fought cancer with unmatched courage. He died peacefully, surrounded by family. We’re grateful for your thoughts and prayers, and we kindly request privacy for the family during this heartbreaking time.”
On August 6, Clarkson alluded to Blackstock’s diagnosis when she postponed the remainder of her August dates in Las Vegas. “I have to move the remaining Studio Session dates in Las Vegas.
I hate disappointing you, but I have to care for my kids. For the past year, my kids’ father has been sick, and I need to be all in for them right now.”
As earlier reported, Blackstock confronted the illness for over 1,000 days, keeping most of the battle private until Clarkson’s post acknowledged his health. He is survived by four children: River, 11, and Remington, 9, with Clarkson; and Savannah and Seth from his first marriage.
Blackstock met the proud title of grandfather for the first time in 2022 when his eldest child, Savannah, welcomed a son named Lake. The joy was quietly celebrated in a family that has a wide, blended circle and room for more love.
According to Parade Blackstock’s lineage includes father Narvel, who was married to Reba McEntire from 1989 until 2015. From that union came Shelby, Blackstock’s half-brother. The family circle also includes older sisters Shawna and Chassidy.
Beyond his long career as a talent manager, Blackstock was an executive producer for The Kelly Clarkson Show from its launch in 2019 through 2020. The complicated story of his life crystallized when he married Clarkson in 2013 and faced divorce court in 2020.
The split soon turned combative when Clarkson and Blackstock squared off in court over their sprawling ranch in Montana. Clarkson won the title to the land, but the court ruled Blackstock could remain in the main house for the time being.
According to People Clarkson and Blackstock wrapped up their divorce in 2022. The judge told her to hand over a single payment of $1.3 million, plus a monthly split for spousal and child support.
Disputes kept coming, and in 2023 Blackstock was told to cut Clarkson a check for $2.6 million because he’d crossed the line while acting as her manager.
The following year, Clarkson went back to court, suggesting she might have a claim for more, but in the end both sides pulled the plug on all their lawsuits by May.
In 2025, Clarkson’s random days away from The Kelly Clarkson Show reignited chatter about her stepping away for good. People, however, reported that the absences were tied to Blackstock’s worsening health.
Reba McEntire, Son Brandon Blackstock Remained Close Before His Death?
Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock were married from 1989 to 2015. She gave birth to their son Shelby in 1990. Through that marriage Reba also welcomed three stepchildren, who she embraced as her own from day one.
In a 2010 interview with The Boot, McEntire recalled, “I don’t consider Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna stepchildren. I claim them all.” The words underscore a bond that felt unqualified, a family circle defined by love, not legalities.
Brandon Blackstock, 48, lost his battle with cancer on August 7, leaving behind a life he’d lived in the full light of a family already in his corner.
For McEntire, the most public stretch of that love came when Brandon wed her longtime friend Kelly Clarkson. The marriage, which followed years of McEntire cheering Clarkson’s rise on American Idol, felt to her like a natural extension of the circle.
Brandon, like his father, had made his name behind the curtain—producer, talent manager, steady hand. So when family and fans began to ask about him, her answer was already in her heart.
“Kelly’s married to my oldest boy, Brandon, but we’re also solid friends,” McEntire told Us Weekly back in 2019. “That bond carries a lot of weight—when a close friend steps into family, it’s a real blessing.”
When Clarkson and Blackstock’s marriage bumped into trouble a couple years later, McEntire’s heart stayed wide open. “I care for both of them. Brandon’s my stepson, Kelly’s my longtime friend, and I’m cheering for both sides,” she told Extra in 2021.
“I want them to feel happy, healthy, and to come out stronger. I pray folks will send the love and support they truly need right now. I love them both so much.”
With Clarkson and Blackstock officially splitting up in 2022, McEntire shared with Entertainment Tonight she still wouldn’t choose. “Brandon’s been my boy for longer than I can remember. Steps-on-paper, sure, but my love is the same, so I’m holding both of them in prayer—because I love them the same.”
1 thought on “Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Dies at 48 After Brave Cancer Battle.”