Introduction
The music world is in mourning today with the sad news that Brandon Blackstock, a well-known talent manager and a man whose life was deeply woven into the fabric of modern country and pop music, has passed away. He was 48 years old.
A representative for the family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement to PEOPLE. “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the statement reads. “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.”
The news comes just after his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, announced on Wednesday, August 6th, that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency. In a poignant message that is now cast in a tragic new light, she explained her need to be with their children, River, 11, and Remington, 9. “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, thanking her fans for their understanding.
Beyond his high-profile marriage to Clarkson, Blackstock was a central figure in a prominent music family. He was the former stepson of country music icon Reba McEntire, who was married to his father and manager, Narvel Blackstock, for 26 years. His role as a devoted father was paramount; in addition to his children with Clarkson, he had two older children, Savannah and Seth, from a previous marriage. In 2022, he lovingly stepped into the role of grandfather when his daughter Savannah welcomed a son, Lake.
Heartwarmingly, family ties remained strong. As recently as March 2024, Brandon was photographed enjoying an outing at the Houston Rodeo with his children River and Remington, alongside his brother Shelby and his former stepmother, Reba McEntire, painting a picture of a loving and blended family.
Brandon and Kelly’s love story began at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006. Narvel Blackstock was Clarkson’s manager at the time, and Brandon, who was then married to his first wife, immediately caught Kelly’s eye. “This guy walks by, making everybody laugh. I said, ‘I’m gonna end up with him. I know it,’” Clarkson recalled to PEOPLE in 2013.
Years later, their paths crossed again at the Super Bowl, and a romance blossomed. They were married in a beautiful ceremony in October 2013. Their relationship deeply inspired Clarkson’s music, most notably her powerful 2015 anthem, “Piece By Piece.” The song detailed the profound sense of stability and love she found with Blackstock, contrasting it with the pain of her own father’s abandonment. Following their marriage, Brandon, who also managed Blake Shelton, took on the role of his wife’s manager, merging their personal and professional lives.
Brandon Blackstock’s legacy is one of family, music, and a life lived at the heart of the entertainment industry, and his passing is a profound loss for all who knew and loved him.