Brandon Blackstock, the former music manager and ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has died at the age of 48 after a private, years-long battle with melanoma. His obituary offers an intimate glimpse into the new chapter of life he built in Montana following his divorce.
Blackstock, who spent over two decades in the music industry managing high-profile artists, eventually stepped away from the business to pursue a quieter, more rural existence. “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 reads. “He found a homestead and a love in Butte, Montana.”
According to the tribute, Blackstock found both personal and professional fulfillment alongside his partner, Brittney Marie Jones. Together, the couple launched multiple ventures, including Headwaters Livestock Auction and the Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana — projects that friends and family say will remain part of his enduring legacy.
The news of his passing was confirmed days earlier by his family. “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,” a representative said in a statement to Us Weekly. “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.”
Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis confirmed that Blackstock’s cause of death was melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. His manner of death was classified as natural causes. Hollis noted that Blackstock passed away under hospice care at his home in Butte, Montana, on August 7, with loved ones by his side.
Born in Texas, Blackstock was part of a musical lineage the stepson of country legend Reba McEntire and the son of her former husband, Narvel Blackstock. Over the years, he worked with Clarkson and other artists, but his post-divorce years marked a complete lifestyle change.
Blackstock is survived by his four children: daughter Savannah and son Seth, from his marriage to Ashworth Wells, and daughter River and son Remington, from his marriage to Clarkson. His relationship with Clarkson, which began in 2012, led to their marriage in 2013. The couple separated in 2020, finalizing their divorce in 2022.
Following his death, tributes have poured in from family members. Wells, his first wife, posted an emotional remembrance on Instagram:
“Brandon was full of charm, wit, and just an absolute gentleman who happened to wear cowboy boots, wrangler jeans, and a cowboy hat,” she wrote. “He was by far, hands down, the best Daddy and Pa. He loved hard and he fought hard.”
She added that faith was a guiding part of his life, especially in his final days. “The best thing Brandon has left for his children is they know where he is. I’ve heard it said, ‘Nothing is lost when you know where it is,’ and Brandon is with Jesus his Savior. Savannah, Seth, and our grandchildren are the best parts of who Brandon and I are. Thank you all for your prayers and condolences.”
His son Seth also honored his father in a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing throwback photos and writing, “I lost my hero yesterday. Words can’t describe how proud of you I am on raising me and your three other kids. You were a father, a son, a brother, and most importantly my best friend.”
While his years in the spotlight were tied to his career in the entertainment industry, those closest to him say his true fulfillment came in the wide-open spaces of Montana, where he embraced his “cowboy way of life” and worked to build something lasting for his children.
Blackstock’s ventures in ranching and rodeo, his devotion to his family, and his fight against cancer form a legacy that friends and loved ones say will endure well beyond his 48 years.