Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, who was also once the singer’s manager, has died. He was 48.
The news comes a day after Clarkson postponed her remaining Las Vegas shows citing Blackstock’s “ill” health and her need to be with their kids: 11-year-old River and Remington, 9.
Blackstock, who also managed Blake Shelton, had cancer at the time of his death, a family representative told People in a statement Thursday.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” said the spokesperson. “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.”
On Wednesday, the 43-year-old Grammy winner said she would be postponing the remaining dates of her Vegas residency to be “fully present” for her young family given that “this past year, my children’s father has been ill.”
A representative for Clarkson did not immediately respond to the Daily News’ request for comment.
The “Kelly Clarkson Show” host and Blackstock married in 2013, and she filed for divorce in June 2020. The contentious divorce was finalized in early 2022, with the “Breakaway” singer ordered to fulfill a one-time payment of more than $1 million and pay monthly spousal support until early last year. Clarkson was also ordered to pay monthly child support.
In late 2023, Blackstock was ordered to pay more than $2.6 million he’d allegedly overcharged for finalizing Clarkson’s deals.
She revealed to People early last year that she had “never wanted to get married.”
“(Brandon) had children, a religious background, and it was important, I think, for him. But I’ve never been that person. Because I’ve been through a couple divorces in my family, I just don’t like to put any weight on it. It can happen; it doesn’t have to happen,” said Clarkson.
During their marriage, the “American Idol” alum was also stepmother to Savannah and Seth, Blackstock’s kids from a prior marriage. Blackstock’s own former stepmother was Reba McEntire.
The country star, 70, and Blackstock’s father — producer and Clarkson’s former manager Narvel Blackstock — wed in 1989 and share s son, Shelby. They divorced in 2015.
Blackstock’s daughter Savannah welcomed his first grandchild, Lake, in 2022, per People.
He is also survived by siblings Shawna and Cassidy.
At the time of publication, neither Clarkson nor McEntire has publicly remarked on Blackstock’s death.
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