Brandon Blackstock, the former music manager and ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson, was photographed smiling and enjoying family time at the Houston Rodeo just months before his death. The 48-year-old, who had been privately battling cancer for more than three years, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, his family confirmed.
Inside Brandon Blackstock’s Final Public Appearance
In March 2025, Blackstock attended the Houston Rodeo with family, including his famous former stepmother, Reba McEntire, and her partner, Rex Linn. In photos shared by his brother, Shelby Blackstock, he appeared relaxed and happy, dressed in a cowboy hat, denim jacket, and blue checkered shirt.
“Family time, the @rodeohouston, & corn dogs! We had a blast in Houston watching @rissablackstock experience her first rodeo,” Shelby captioned the Instagram post. “And being able to spend cherished time with family! Mom’s concert was the icing on the cake.”
Other snapshots showed Blackstock laughing while playing arcade games, posing with the group in the stands, and hugging loved ones backstage at the Texas venue.
After his divorce from Clarkson in 2022, Blackstock stepped out of the public eye. He moved from Los Angeles to a ranch in Montana.
Clarkson and Blackstock had endured a lengthy and contentious custody battle following their 2020 separation. Their divorce settlement included a $1.3 million one-time payment to him, monthly child support of $45,601, and $115,000 in monthly spousal support. Clarkson was granted primary custody of their two children — River Rose, 10, and Remington Alexander, 8 — with Blackstock receiving visitation rights.
Clarkson Halted Vegas Show Before Blackstock’s Death
On Thursday, Starstruck Entertainment, the music agency where Blackstock once worked, confirmed his death in a statement to 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.”
Fans suspected something was wrong the day before the news broke, when Clarkson abruptly canceled her upcoming Las Vegas residency. “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 said in a statement.
Blackstock first met Clarkson in 2006 at an event where his father, Narvel Blackstock, was her manager. At the time, Narvel was married to McEntire, making him her stepson. He went on to manage Clarkson’s career himself, helping guide her move from Nashville to Los Angeles to launch “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
Brandon Blackstock also managed artists like Blake Shelton before leaving the music industry entirely after his divorce.
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Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock All Smiles in Heartwarming Final Photos