Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock dies at 48: Here's what happened

Brandon Blackstock, former talent manager and ex-husband of pop powerhouse Kelly Clarkson, passed away on August 7, 2025, at just 48 years old. His family confirmed that he bravely battled cancer for over three years, ultimately passing away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones.

For many, this came as a heartbreaking double blow: just a day earlier, Kelly Clarkson had announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency, stating the father of her children had fallen ill and that she needed to be fully present for her kids. Turns out, she was shielding the public from the difficult truth unfolding behind the scenes.

As per reports, Blackstock was fighting melanoma

"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," the family's statement paid tribute.

According to TMZ and other outlets, he was fighting melanoma.

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that starts in the cells that give your skin its color, acalled melanocytes. It’s not the most common type of skin cancer, but it’s definitely the most dangerous if it’s not caught early. The scary thing about melanoma is that it can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated.

Now, not every mole or dark spot is melanoma, but if you notice one that’s changing shape, size, or color—or looks weird compared to your other moles—it’s worth getting it checked out. Dermatologists often talk about the ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color changes, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving (meaning it’s changing over time).

Melanoma is often caused by too much UV exposure, either from the sun or tanning beds. Fair-skinned people, folks with a history of sunburns, or those with a family history of skin cancer are at higher risk. The good news? If caught early, melanoma is very treatable—sometimes even curable with surgery alone.

The best defense? Sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, regular skin checks, and just being aware of what’s normal on your body. Your skin can tell you a lot—don’t ignore it if something seems off. Early detection saves lives.

Brandon wasn’t just Clarkson’s ex—he was also her former manager and a well-known music industry pro. In addition to working with Kelly, he managed country star Blake Shelton and even held ties to Kelly’s world through his family—he was the stepson of country legend Reba McEntire

He and Clarkson first met back in 2006, married in 2013, and had two beautiful kids together—daughter River Rose (11) and son Remington “Remy” Alexander (9). Though their relationship ended in divorce in 2020 (finalized in 2022), Brandon’s role in both her personal and professional life left a lasting impact