“American Idol” alum Kelly Clarkson is going through a tough time. Kelly lost her ex-husband and the father of her kids, Brandon Blackstock. Blackstock passed away at age 48 in August 2025 following a private, 3-year-long battle with cancer.
Just hours before his passing, Kelly Clarkson publicly revealed that her ex-husband was “ill.”
(Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)Kelly wasn’t Brandon’s only partner. Before his relationship with Kelly, Blackstock was married to Melissa Ashworth. Here is a deeper look at their relationship.
1. Melissa Ashworth Was Married to Brandon Blackstock for Over a Decade
The two tied the knot in 2001 and remained married until 2012. Their relationship mostly stayed out of the public eye, as Ashworth is not a public figure.
2. Ashworth Worked as a Secretary
While not much is known about her personal life, Ashworth reportedly worked as a secretary during her marriage to Blackstock. She largely avoided the spotlight, even as her ex-husband became more prominent in the entertainment world.
3. Brandon & Mellisa Share Two Children
The former couple welcomed two children: Savannah and Seth. Blackstock became a father for the first time when he welcomed daughter Savannah with Ashworth. The two seemed to share a close bond. In December 2018, Savannah posted an Instagram photo from a father-daughter ski trip. Then in February 2019, she called him her “favorite person,” writing he was “hands down” her top pick.
Savannah, born in June 2002, is now a mother herself, giving birth to her daughter Lake Lee in January 2022, making Ashworth and Blackstock grandparents.
Their son, Seth, was born in November 2006. Savanna, who is now 23 years old, is pregnant with her second baby. One noteworthy fact is that Kelly Clarkson shares a warm bond with Savannah as she follows her on Instagram.
4. She Maintained a Friendly Relationship With Kelly Clarkson
Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARASDespite the complicated dynamics of blended families, Ashworth remained positive and supportive of Blackstock’s second marriage.
In a 2014 interview with Radar Online, she said, “I love Kelly and we get along great, and my husband and I hang out with them all the time.”
She added, “I adore Kelly and Brandon as a couple, so if I say anything it’s going to be positive.”
5. Where Is Mellisa Ashworth Now?
Melissa has largely stayed out of the public eye over the years, though she later married a man named Chris White.
Details about their life together remain unknown as Ashworth has continued to maintain her privacy.
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Brandon Blackstock’s Ex-Wife Melissa Ashworth: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know