The music world and fans of Kelly Clarkson were devastated to learn this week of the passing of someone close to her orbit.

According to the Daily Caller, Brandon Blackstock, music manager and Clarkson's ex-husband, has died of cancer at 48, according to his family. The news was shocking given that it was only recently revealed that he was battling serious health issues. 

Notably, Blackstock was the former stepson of country music legend Reba McEntire. He was well known within the music industry, especially given his past marriage to Clarkson, a superstar in her own right.

Clarkson had made a social media post on Wednesday announcing his illness while also revealing that as a result, she made the decisiont postpone her Las Vegas residency dates.

What was said?

Blackstock had reportedly battled the cancer for three years, according to a touching statement released by his family.

"Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years," a family spokesperson told People. "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."

Upon announcing his illness on social media earlier this week, Clarkson said her children, fathered by Blackstock, were her priority at the time.

“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.

She added, "I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding."

Brandon Blackstock looked happy in final photo with pregnant daughter taken weeks before death https://t.co/q05LNo4iXT pic.twitter.com/4sh1elgMPh

— Page Six (@PageSix) August 8, 2025

Difficult divorce

Clarkson had Blackstock reportedly had a contentious divorce, which was finally completed in 2022.

The New York Post reported:

In 2020, the exes had a rocky split after nearly seven years of marriage. Clarkson filed for divorce on June 4, 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. In November of that year, she was awarded temporary primary physical custody of River and Remy.

At the time, after Clarkson was awarded temporary physical custody of their two children, court documents said, "the level of conflict between the parents [had] increased” and added that they had “a difficult time co-parenting due to issues of trust between them."

Black stock was remembered across social media by colleagues, family and friends.