Brandon Blackstock, a prominent talent manager and the former husband of pop superstar Kelly Clarkson, died on August 7, 2025, after a private and courageous three-year battle with cancer. He was 48 years old. The news, confirmed by his family and Starstruck Entertainment—the Nashville talent-management company owned by his father, Narvel Blackstock—sent ripples through the music industry and left fans and loved ones reflecting on a life marked by both professional achievement and personal complexity.
According to NBC News, Blackstock’s family 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 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 statement was echoed by multiple outlets, underscoring the impact of his loss on those closest to him.
Born on December 16, 1976, in Fort Worth, Texas, Blackstock was well known in country music circles, having managed stars like Blake Shelton and the band Rascal Flatts. His career in entertainment was shaped early on by his father Narvel, who founded Starstruck Entertainment in 1988 and was famously married to country legend Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015. As reported by The New York Times, Blackstock served as an executive at Starstruck and was also credited as a producer on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" and the television special "Blake Shelton Live: It's All About Tonight."
Blackstock’s family life was as intricate as his professional one. He married Melissa Ashworth in 2001, and together they had two children: daughter Savannah and son Seth. Their marriage ended in 2012. In 2013, Blackstock married Grammy Award-winning singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson in Tennessee. The couple welcomed two children: daughter River Rose, born in 2014, and son Remington "Remy" Alexander, born in 2016. After seven years of marriage, Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing “irreconcilable differences,” and the split was finalized in 2022.
Clarkson, who has often spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her divorce, took to Instagram on August 6, 2025, to announce the postponement of her Las Vegas residency shows at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. “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,” she wrote. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.” The residency, titled “Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions,” had already been delayed once due to vocal issues, with shows rescheduled for July and August 2026, according to Ticketmaster and TV Insider. Clarkson’s daytime talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," wrapped its sixth season in June 2025, with Season 7 expected to premiere in the fall, though a delay now seems likely given recent events.
Beyond his immediate family, Blackstock’s passing touched the wider music world, particularly through his connection to Reba McEntire. As USA TODAY explained, McEntire was his stepmother for over 25 years and has publicly spoken about her affection for Blackstock and his children with Clarkson. In a 2018 interview with People, McEntire referred to River Rose and Remy as her grandchildren. After Clarkson and Blackstock’s split, McEntire told "Entertainment Tonight": “Brandon's been my son forever it seems. Although he's my stepson, I still love him like he's my total—my blood, so I'm praying for ‘em both ‘cause I love ‘em both.” She maintained a close relationship with both Clarkson and Blackstock, emphasizing her support for the entire family.
The timing of Blackstock’s death was especially poignant for his daughter Savannah Blackstock-Lee, who, just weeks earlier, had announced her pregnancy on Instagram. “One little girl will be making her arrival at the beginning of January and another beautiful girl named Julianna who has already been one of the greatest blessings to our family,” Savannah wrote, as reported by People. She and her husband, Quentin Lee, married in September 2023 and already share a three-year-old son, born January 17, 2022. The news of her father’s passing came as the family anticipated new beginnings, underscoring the bittersweet nature of the moment.
Blackstock’s legacy in entertainment is significant. In addition to managing Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts, he played a key role behind the scenes as an executive producer on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" during its early seasons. According to IMDb, he also contributed to other television projects, cementing his reputation as a savvy industry player. His professional relationships were often intertwined with his personal life—Shelton, for example, was a frequent collaborator with both Blackstock and Clarkson, and Reba McEntire’s mentorship of Clarkson on "The Voice" further blurred the lines between family and career.
Yet, for all the public attention, Blackstock’s family consistently emphasized his private battle with cancer. The type of cancer he faced has not been disclosed by his family. Throughout the ordeal, Clarkson’s focus remained squarely on her children. She has spoken in the past about the importance of music as an emotional outlet during difficult times. In a 2024 interview with People, she reflected, “I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet. Because the level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving is extraordinarily hard. You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming.”
As for what’s next, the immediate future for Clarkson’s projects remains uncertain. While her “Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson” primetime specials are set to air as planned starting August 19, 2025, and she is slated to return as a coach on "The Voice" Season 29 in spring 2026, the premiere of the seventh season of her daytime talk show may be pushed back. Still, Clarkson’s ongoing commitments and the outpouring of support from fans suggest she will continue to honor both her professional and personal responsibilities.
Brandon Blackstock is survived by his four children—Savannah, Seth, River, and Remington—his father Narvel, his mother Elisa Gayle Ritter, and a blended family that includes stepmother Reba McEntire. His influence on the music industry and the lives of those around him will not soon be forgotten.
In a year marked by both sorrow and hope, the Blackstock and Clarkson families are navigating loss with resilience, surrounded by the music and memories that defined their shared journey.
