Brandon Blackstock – Overview & Cause of Death
Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson, passed away at age 48 on August 7, 2025, after a private and courageous battle with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

Cause of Death & Cancer Type
Brandon’s illness was due to melanoma, as confirmed by multiple media reports.
Family & Personal Background
He had four children:
- Two children—River Rose (born 2014) and Remington Alexander (Remy) (born 2016)—with Kelly Clarkson.
- Two older children—Savannah (23) and Seth—from a previous marriage.
- Additionally, Savannah recently announced she’s expecting a baby girl in January.
Relationship with Reba McEntire & Narvel Blackstock
Brandon was the stepson of country legend Reba McEntire, from her marriage to Narvel Blackstock. Reba remained closely connected to her stepchildren after their divorce.
Kelly Clarkson & Brandon Blackstock: Marriage, Divorce & Aftermath
- They met in 2006, began dating in 2012, married in October 2013, and divorced in 2022 (filed in 2020 for “irreconcilable differences”).
- Their divorce involved complex legal disputes over property, support, and agency practises, concluding in 2022 after settlements and rulings
- Kelly Clarkson was granted primary custody of River and Remy, and agreed to a financial settlement
Did Brandon Blackstock Pass Away?
Yes—he passed away on August 7, 2025. Multiple media outlets confirmed his death following his battle with melanoma.
Kelly Clarkson’s Reaction and Impact
Kelly Clarkson postponed her Las Vegas residency to focus on their children during Brandon’s illness. She expressed gratitude to fans and emphasized being present for her kids during this difficult time.
Other Key Connections:
- Reba McEntire: Renowned country singer, ex-wife of Narvel Blackstock, and Brandon’s former stepmother.
- Shelby Blackstock: Reba’s biological son and Brandon’s half-brother, a professional race car driver.
- Reba & Narvel’s Divorce: Their 26-year marriage ended in 2015, with Reba describing it as a blend of love and business.
Quick Facts Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Brandon Blackstock Cause of Death | Melanoma (skin cancer), passed away August 7, 2025 |
| Relation to Reba McEntire | Stepson |
| Kelly Clarkson Divorce | Filed 2020, finalized 2022, custody and legal disputes resolved |
| Brandon’s Children | Four kids: River, Remy (with Kelly); Savannah, Seth (previous marriage) |
| Reba & Narvel’s Divorce | Ended in 2015; their dynamic was often business-like |
People Also Ask
1. Who is Reba McEntire’s son?
Reba McEntire’s biological son is Shelby Blackstock, a professional race car driver. Brandon Blackstock was her former stepson during her marriage to Narvel Blackstock.
2. What was Brandon Blackstock’s cause of death?
Brandon Blackstock passed away from melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, on August 7, 2025, at age 48.
3. Who is Narvel Blackstock?
Narvel Blackstock is a music manager and TV producer, former husband of Reba McEntire, and father to Brandon Blackstock.
4. Who is Reba McEntire?
Reba McEntire is an award-winning country music singer, songwriter, and actress, often called the “Queen of Country.”
5. Is Brandon Blackstone the same as Brandon Blackstock?
No. Brandon Blackstone is a different person; Brandon Blackstock was Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband.
6. Why did Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock divorce?
Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020 citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2022 after disputes over property, custody, and financial settlements.
7. How many children does Kelly Clarkson have?
Kelly Clarkson has two children with Brandon Blackstock: River Rose (born 2014) and Remington “Remy” Alexander (born 2016).
8. What type of cancer did Brandon Blackstock have?
He was diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
9. Did Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband pass away?
Yes. Brandon Blackstock passed away in August 2025 from melanoma.
10. How did Brandon Blackstock die?
He died after a private battle with melanoma, surrounded by his family.
11. What is Kelly Clarkson’s net worth?
As of 2025, Kelly Clarkson’s net worth is estimated to be over $50 million, from her music career, TV hosting, and brand deals.
12. Is Brandon Blackstock related to Reba McEntire?
Yes. Brandon was Reba’s stepson during her marriage to Narvel Blackstock.
13. Who is Melissa Ashworth?
Melissa Ashworth is Brandon Blackstock’s first wife and mother to his two older children, Savannah and Seth.
14. What happened to Brandon Blackstock?
He managed artists, married Kelly Clarkson in 2013, divorced in 2022, and sadly passed away from melanoma in 2025.
15. Did Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband die of cancer?
Yes. He died of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
16. Who are Brandon Blackstock’s parents?
His father is Narvel Blackstock; his mother is Elisa Gayle Ritter.
17. Who is Savannah Blackstock?
Savannah Blackstock is Brandon’s eldest daughter from his marriage to Melissa Ashworth. She announced her pregnancy shortly before his passing.
18. What is wrong with Brandon Blackstock?
He had melanoma, which ultimately caused his death.
19. Does Brandon Blackstock have a new wife?
No. He was not remarried after his divorce from Kelly Clarkson.
20. Who is Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband?
Brandon Blackstock—music manager, father to her two children, and former stepson of Reba McEntire.
