Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock dies after secret cancer diagnosis aged 48

It has been announced that Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has died at the age of 48.

‘It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,’ a representative confirmed to People.

‘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.’

Blackstock was a talent manager, who once managed Blake Shelton and Clarkson, and was also the former stepson of Reba McEntire.

The news comes less than a day after Clarkson announced she would be cancelling her Las Vegas residency after confirming he was suffering from a private illness.

‘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,’ Clarkson wrote in a message on her Instagram story, not disclosing the illness.

‘I appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.’

Clarkson shares two children – daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander – with Blackstock.

The pair married in 2013 and separated in 2020, with their divorce finalised in 2022 after a protracted legal battle.

Blackstock once served as Clarkson’s manager, and their divorce was complex.

In March 2023, she was awarded $2.6million in a dispute over improper commissions paid to Blackstock, after a California ruling found that he had secured deals that should have gone through her licensed talent agents at CAA.

Though both parties reached a confidential settlement in May 2024, the saga had dragged on for years.

The American Idol champion, 43, announced in February that she would be taking up a residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, following in the footsteps of Celine Dion, Adele, Madonna, and Sir Elton John.

The postponed shows were scheduled for August 8-9 and 15-16.

Clarkson’s residency is expected to resume in November, with performances set for the 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th.

It is unclear at this time if the shows will be taking place.

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