Brandon Blackstock, Music Manager and Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband, Dies at 48

LOS ANGELES – Brandon Blackstock, a music manager and the former husband of Grammy-winning artist Kelly Clarkson, has died, according to multiple reports confirmed on Friday. He was 48. The cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.

Blackstock's death marks a tragic conclusion to a life that was, in recent years, overshadowed by a contentious and highly publicized divorce from Clarkson. The couple, who married in 2013 and have two children together, separated in 2020, initiating a prolonged legal battle that captured significant media attention.

A Contentious and Public Split

The divorce proceedings between Clarkson and Blackstock, finalized in March 2022, were frequently described as "messy" and "painful" in media coverage. The disputes centered on complex financial arrangements, child custody, and significant assets, including a Montana ranch where Blackstock had been residing.

Legal filings revealed deep disagreements over spousal and child support, as well as business dealings. Blackstock, through his family's management company, Starstruck Entertainment, had managed Clarkson's career for several years. This professional relationship became a central point of conflict during the split.

In a landmark decision in November 2023, the California Labor Commissioner ruled that Blackstock had unlawfully acted as an unlicensed talent agent for Clarkson. He was ordered to repay $2.6 million in commissions from deals he had secured for her, including her role as a coach on NBC's The Who and her endorsement deal with Wayfair. This ruling was a significant financial and professional blow to Blackstock, who had appealed the decision.

Clarkson's Musical and Public Response

Kelly Clarkson has been candid with her audience about the emotional toll of the divorce, channeling her experiences into her 2023 album, Chemistry. The record explores the full spectrum of a relationship, from its euphoric beginning to its heartbreaking end.

In interviews promoting the album, Clarkson spoke of the difficulty of navigating the separation while in the public eye. She described the process of writing the songs as a "healthy" outlet for processing her grief and anger. On her Emmy-winning daytime program, The Kelly Clarkson Show, she has often connected with guests and audience members over shared experiences of heartbreak and resilience.

While an official statement from Clarkson regarding Blackstock's death has not been released, sources close to the singer have indicated she is grieving the loss, particularly for the sake of their children, River Rose and Remington Alexander.

A Career in Music Management

Beyond his relationship with Clarkson, Brandon Blackstock was an established figure in the country music scene. As the son of Narvel Blackstock, who managed country superstar Reba McEntire for decades, he was born into the business. He was also McEntire's stepson during her marriage to his father.

Over his career, Blackstock managed several high-profile artists, most notably Blake Shelton. His professional life was deeply intertwined with his personal relationships, creating a complex legacy within the Nashville and Los Angeles entertainment industries. His passing leaves behind a complicated story of success, love, and public dispute.