Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of singer and TV show host Kelly Clarkson, 43, has died at the age of 48 from cancer, per Page Six. He was a talent manager who was also country icon Reba McEntire's former stepson.
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According to a statement from a rep for the family per the outlet via People, ""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."
Kelly Clarkson Had Canceled Her Las Vegas Residency Due to Her Ex's Health
The tragic news comes on the heels of Clarkson's announcement that she was canceling her residency in Las Vegas because of her ex's illness.
She posted on August 6 on Instagram, "Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas. 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. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding."
The couple shared two children - daughter River, who is 11 years old, and son Remington, who's nine. Blackstock also was the dad to two children from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth.
The Two Divorced in 2022
Per People, Clarkson mused philosophically in 2023,about the hardship imposed when high-profile couples divorce.
She said at the time, "I think the thing about divorce — especially having it publicized, and people thinking they know the whole thing — the hardest part of that is, like, it wasn't an overnight decision. I wanted to make it beautiful,,,I wanted to make it everything it possibly could be, and sometimes that just doesn't happen."
She Took Time Away From Her TV Show To Help Care for Blackstock
Per Page Six, Clarkson stepped back from her show earlier this year in February and in March to help care for Blackstock. An unnamed source explained, "It's been exhausting and so sad. Kelly has been working so hard as well as looking after Brandon. Despite their difficult divorce, he's still the man she loved and still her kids' father."
