Brandon Blackstock, Former Husband of Kelly Clarkson and Stepson of Country Legend Reba McEntire, Dies at 48 After Private Battle with Cancer
The music world is mourning the loss of Brandon Blackstock, a respected talent manager and figure deeply connected to both pop and country royalty, who passed away on August 7, 2025 at the age of 48 following a private three-year battle with cancer. According to a family representative, Brandon died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
His illness had remained largely out of the public eye, as he chose to fight his battle quietly, away from headlines. Those who knew him best say this decision was true to his character — fiercely protective of his family and private life.
Born in 1977, Brandon was the son of Narvel Blackstock, a well-known music manager, and Elisa Gayle Ritter. When Narvel married Reba McEntire in 1989, Brandon became her stepson at the age of 13. Though Reba and Narvel divorced in 2015, she often spoke of her love and pride for Brandon, describing him as part of her family in every way that mattered.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Brandon built a successful career in artist management, eventually running his own company and representing major stars — including Blake Shelton. It was at one of Blake’s rehearsals in 2012 where Brandon and pop superstar Kelly Clarkson reconnected. A year later, in October 2013, they were married in a ceremony that, at the time, seemed like the perfect blending of country tradition and pop stardom.
Together, they welcomed two children: River Rose, now 11, and Remington Alexander, now 9. Brandon also had two children, Savannah and Seth, from a previous marriage, and became a grandfather in 2022 when Savannah welcomed a child.
Despite their deep connection, the couple’s marriage ended in 2020, leading to a highly public and often difficult divorce. The proceedings included disputes over custody, property, and spousal support, with Kelly eventually awarded primary custody. Brandon relocated to Montana, settling on a ranch the couple had once shared, where he embraced a quieter, more private life.
It was only in the final days of his life that the public began to sense something was wrong. On August 6 — just one day before his passing — Kelly Clarkson abruptly postponed the remaining dates of her Las Vegas residency, citing a family emergency and her need to be present for her children.
Tributes for Brandon have poured in across the music industry. While Reba McEntire has yet to release a public statement, many fans have remembered the close, motherly bond she shared with him over decades. Friends and colleagues have spoken of his unwavering loyalty, his humor, and his deep commitment to the people in his life.
“Brandon was a man who gave his best to the people he loved,” one longtime friend shared. “Even in the hardest moments, he thought of others first.”
In addition to his children and granddaughter, Brandon leaves behind a legacy that blends the spotlight of fame with the quiet dignity of personal strength. His story is one of resilience — from the early days growing up in the heart of country music, to guiding some of the industry’s most successful artists, to the private courage he showed in his final years.
The Blackstock family has requested privacy as they grieve, and Kelly Clarkson has asked fans for understanding as she focuses on her children during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Brandon’s memory.
From the ranches of Montana to the bright lights of Nashville and Los Angeles, Brandon Blackstock’s life was interwoven with the fabric of American music history. His passing is a reminder that even those tied to legends leave their own mark — in the lives they touched, the love they gave, and the courage they carried.