The entertainment and country music worlds are mourning the loss of Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of pop superstar Kelly Clarkson and former stepson of country legend Reba McEntire, who has died at the age of 48 after a private three-year battle with cancer.
His death was confirmed on August 7, 2025, by the Blackstock family, who released a heartfelt statement:
“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, surrounded by his family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
Sources with direct knowledge revealed that Brandon’s illness was melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer he had been fighting for more than three and a half years. Despite his connections to some of the biggest names in music, Brandon chose to keep his diagnosis almost entirely private — a decision respected and closely guarded by his family, colleagues, and friends.
Blackstock’s passing sheds light on several personal decisions in recent years, including Clarkson’s sudden postponement of her Las Vegas residency. Just one day before his death, Kelly announced she would be rescheduling her remaining August shows due to a “family emergency,” telling fans she needed to focus on her children.
A Life Intertwined with Music Royalty
Born in 1977 to music manager Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter, Brandon grew up in the heart of the music industry. When Narvel married Reba McEntire in 1989, Brandon became her stepson, and though Reba and Narvel divorced in 2015, she continued to speak of him as her own.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Brandon built a respected career in artist management. He worked with major acts including Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts, and it was at one of Shelton’s rehearsals in 2012 that Brandon reconnected with Kelly Clarkson. The pair married in October 2013 and had two children together — River Rose (11) and Remington Alexander (9). Brandon was also father to Savannah and Seth from a previous marriage, and in 2022, he became a grandfather.
Public Marriage, Private Struggles
The couple’s marriage, once celebrated as a music industry love story, ended in 2020 when Kelly filed for divorce. Their separation led to a high-profile legal battle over spousal support, property division, and custody, ultimately resulting in Kelly being granted primary custody of their children. Brandon relocated to Montana, where he embraced ranch life and stepped back from the public spotlight.
While their marriage ended, sources say the two maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship. Those close to Clarkson note that Brandon was deeply supportive of her career during their years together — even encouraging her to launch The Kelly Clarkson Show, a project that became a daytime television success.
Tributes and Mourning
In Nashville, Los Angeles, and beyond, tributes are pouring in for Brandon. Many are remembering his role not only in the music business but as a father, grandfather, and quiet supporter of those around him. Reba McEntire has not yet released a public statement, though their bond — forged during his teenage years — was widely known and deeply felt.
Clarkson, now facing the challenge of comforting her children while navigating her own grief, has received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists. The postponement of her Las Vegas residency is expected to extend through at least the end of August, though no new dates have been confirmed.
A Legacy of Strength and Family
Brandon Blackstock leaves behind four children, a granddaughter, and a legacy that stretches from the biggest stages in country and pop music to the quiet pastures of Montana. Friends describe him as fiercely private but endlessly devoted to those he loved.
His battle with cancer — fought quietly, without public fanfare — is a testament to the way he lived: protecting his family, keeping the focus on their lives rather than his illness.
As the statement from his family made clear, they are asking for privacy in this time of grief. But for those whose lives he touched — from Kelly Clarkson’s fans to the country music community that embraced him — Brandon’s story will be remembered as one of quiet resilience, deep family ties, and a life lived both in and beyond the spotlight.