LOS ANGELES – Brandon Blackstock, a well-known music industry talent manager and the former husband of Grammy-winning artist Kelly Clarkson, has died. He was 48.

His death was confirmed by his family in a statement released on Thursday, which revealed he had been in a private three-year battle with cancer. Blackstock was a significant figure in the Nashville music scene, managing the careers of major country artists and growing up in a family deeply embedded in the entertainment business.

The news marks a somber end to a life lived both in the spotlight and behind the scenes of the American music industry.

A Career Behind the Stars

Born into a music dynasty, Brandon Blackstock's career was almost preordained. His father, Narvel Blackstock, founded Starstruck Entertainment, a successful management company that represented a roster of country music royalty. His stepmother for over two decades was country superstar Reba McEntire.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Brandon became a manager at Starstruck, where he guided the careers of artists including Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, and Vince Gill. His professional path became inextricably linked with his personal life when he began managing Kelly Clarkson, who had risen to global fame after winning the inaugural season of American Idol.

Under his management, Clarkson continued her successful career, but the professional relationship would later become a point of legal contention following their separation. Despite the later disputes, his work contributed to the ongoing success of several top-tier artists in a highly competitive industry. He was known for his astute understanding of the country music landscape and his ability to nurture talent.

High-Profile Marriage and Contentious Divorce

Blackstock’s profile rose considerably after he married Kelly Clarkson in a celebrated ceremony in Tennessee in October 2013. The couple had two children together: daughter River Rose, born in 2014, and son Remington Alexander, born in 2016. For years, they were a prominent power couple in the entertainment world, frequently seen at award shows and industry events.

However, the marriage ended when Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The separation initiated a protracted and often acrimonious legal battle that played out in the public eye.

The disputes centered on financial matters, custody of their children, and professional disagreements. A significant legal issue involved Clarkson suing her former husband and Starstruck Entertainment, alleging that they had operated as unlicensed talent agents and owed her millions in commissions. In November 2023, a California labor commissioner ruled in Clarkson's favor, ordering Blackstock to repay over $2.6 million in fees. The divorce was officially finalized in March 2022.

Despite the public nature of their split, news of Blackstock's death has cast a sober light on the family's shared history. A representative for Clarkson has not yet issued a public statement.

Legacy and Family

Brandon Blackstock is survived by his two children with Clarkson, River Rose and Remington Alexander, as well as two children from a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth Blackstock.

His passing has prompted reflections on his role within a powerful Nashville family and his contributions to the careers of the artists he represented. While his later years were defined by his divorce, his career spanned a pivotal era in modern country music. The family’s statement requested privacy as they navigate their loss.