Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson and father of her two children, has died at the age of 48 after a three-year battle with cancer. His death was confirmed by a representative on Thursday, who stated that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.
Just weeks before his passing, on July 5, 2023, his daughter Savannah Blackstock Lee, 23, announced that she is expecting her second child. The pregnancy news came as a bittersweet moment for the family, occurring only a month prior to Brandon’s death. Savannah shared the announcement on her now-private Instagram account, revealing that her family would welcome a second daughter in early January and expressing gratitude for the blessings in her life.
Kelly Clarkson announced on social media that she would be postponing her upcoming concerts in Las Vegas to prioritize her family’s needs during this challenging time. In her statement, she emphasized the importance of being present for her children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, both of whom she shares with Brandon. Clarkson expressed, “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.”
Brandon Blackstock had two children, Savannah and Seth Blackstock, from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth, which lasted from 2001 until 2012. The family ties extend further into the entertainment industry, as Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, was previously married to country music star Reba McEntire.
Legal and Personal Turmoil
Brandon and Kelly’s relationship was marked by both love and legal conflict. The couple married in 2013 but faced a tumultuous separation in 2020, leading to a highly publicized divorce in March 2022. Following their split, they were engaged in legal battles regarding financial matters and business entanglements.
In a significant ruling by California’s Labour Commissioner in November 2023, it was determined that Brandon had procured lucrative deals for Kelly, including her role as a judge on the American version of The Voice. This finding resulted in Brandon being ordered to pay Kelly $2.6 million (approximately $3.96 million AUD). Following their divorce, Kelly agreed to provide her ex-husband with monthly child support of nearly $70,000 AUD for their two children, along with a one-time payment of $1.98 million AUD.
In March 2024, Kelly filed another lawsuit alleging that Starstruck Entertainment, Brandon’s family business, had violated state labor laws by acting as unlicensed talent agents. Brandon’s attorney criticized her lawsuit, claiming it was unethical to seek reimbursement from an ex-husband who had supported her career.
Despite the legal challenges, by May 2024, both Kelly and Brandon chose to withdraw their cases, signaling a desire to move forward, especially for the sake of their children.
As the Blackstock family navigates this period of loss and transition, they are reminded of the importance of family connections and support during difficult times. The arrival of Savannah’s new baby adds a layer of hope and continuity in the face of profound sorrow, as they remember Brandon’s legacy and the love he shared with his family.
