Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock is dead at 48 from Cancer
Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock is dead at 48 from melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a rep for the family told People magazine in a statement. “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 (August 6) the American Idol OG winner and talk show host revealed that she needed to cancel all the August dates for her Las Vegas residency due to Blackstock’s illness.
Kelly Clarkson’s talk show absences explained
Throughout 2025, Kelly had been absent from her The Kelly Clarkson Show afternoon talker without explanation. Wednesday’s announcement is the first time she referred to the reason why. Sources told Page Six that The Voice coach took a brief leave of absence from her show earlier this year to take care of her ex during his private cancer battle.
“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,” Kelly said in a social media statement announcing the August show cancellations. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
Kelly also had to postpone the opening of her Las Vegas residency in early July due to vocal issues.
“The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice. I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve,” she wrote in an Instagram announcement.
Brandon Blackstock fathered River and Remington with Kelly Clarkson
Brandon Blackstock fathered two children with Kelly, River (11) and Remington (9). Blackstock also had two children from a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth. He became a grandfather in 2022 when Savannah gave birth to a son, Lake. Blackstock is also the former stepson of country singer and The Voice coach, Reba McEntire, who was married to his father Narvel Blackstock.
Kelly married Blackstock in 2013 and their contentious divorce was finalized in 2022. But even after the divorce battles over money continued as Blackstock served as Kelly’s manager during their relationship. Blackstock also managed former The Voice coach, Blake Shelton.
Rumors have swirled around Kelly possibly quitting The Kelly Clarkson Show at the end of her contract next spring. It makes sense that now that she’s truly a single parent to two young children who have tragically lost their father, she may want to cut back on her work to be present for them.
However, Kelly will return to The Kelly Clarkson Show, which films at 30 Rock in New York City, for season 7, this fall 2025.
