Inside Brandon Blackstock’s Rodeo Empire With Kelly Clarkson’s Former Right-Hand Woman

Brandon Blackstock’s personal and professional life took a surprising turn after his divorce from Kelly Clarkson, as revealed in his recently released obituary. The late music manager—who died on August 7 at age 48 after a three-year battle with melanoma—had been in a loving relationship with Brittany Marie Jones, Clarkson’s former assistant, and the two had built an entire business empire together in Montana.

According to the obituary, the couple shared not just a home but also a vision for preserving Western traditions through ventures like Headwaters Livestock Auction and Valley View Rodeo.

Brandon Blackstock Traded Hollywood for Montana

After more than two decades in the music business, Brandon traded tour buses and recording studios for wide-open spaces.

“After more than 20 years in the music business, Brandon found his way back to the mountains and the cowboy way of life he always wanted to live,” his obituary read. “He found a homestead and a love in Butte, Montana.”

It continued: “Brandon, along with his beautiful and loving partner in life and business, Brittney Marie Jones, started building a life, building companies, and working tirelessly to create Headwaters Livestock Auction and what will live on as his legacy, The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana.”

Their primary venture, Valley View Rodeo, runs as a weekly summer series at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds from June through August. Events include bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, barrel racing, and team roping, attracting both amateur and professional competitors. According to the rodeo’s website, “From heart-stopping bull riding to lightning-fast barrel racing, Valley View Rodeo showcases the best of both amateur and professional talent.”

The business operates under Valley View Enterprises, which is dedicated to keeping the Western lifestyle alive in modern times.

Brittany Jones Went From Personal Assistant to Power Partner

In addition to the rodeo, the couple launched Headwaters Livestock Auction in Three Forks, Montana — a weekly sale specializing in cattle, sheep, and goats. The auction prides itself on providing clean, safe pens, quality feed, and humane handling for all animals. Buyers and producers alike rely on the auction’s professional sorting, shipping, and customer service.

The U.S. Sun reported in December 2024 that Brittany was no stranger to working alongside Brandon — first in Los Angeles as Kelly Clarkson’s assistant, then as his right hand in Montana. Her LinkedIn once read: “I successfully assistant managed day to day for artist, Kelly Clarkson under manager, Brandon Blackstock in Los Angeles for music and television. After a change in management for Ms. Clarkson I transitioned to Executive Assistant for Mr. Blackstock’s cattle operation in Montana where I currently run the office and administration work. I also currently fulfill personal assistant duties for Mr. Blackstock.”

Brandon and Kelly were married from 2013 to 2020 and shared two children. News of his death broke just after Kelly announced she was postponing the remaining August dates of her Las Vegas residency due to his illness.

A family representative shared: “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.”