New details arose about the death of Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, who passed away at the age of 48 after battling melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer, for three years.
As confirmed by Dan Hollis, a forensic expert from Silver Bow County, in a statement released to Daily Mail, Blackstock died “peacefully in his home in Butte, Montana, under palliative care and surrounded by his family” on Thursday, August 7.
Melanoma develops in the skin’s pigment cells and is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. It often appears in areas of skin frequently exposed to the sun, making it crucial for individuals to take precautions against UV exposure.
A family representative confirmed the sad news in a statement, expressing deep sorrow over Brandon’s passing. “He fought bravely against cancer for more than three years,” they stated.
The announcement came just hours after Kelly Clarkson shared her decision to postpone the remaining dates of her August residency in Las Vegas due to her ex-husband’s condition. “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remaining dates of August in Las Vegas. Although I normally maintain my private life, This last year my children’s father has been sick and I need to be present for them,” she posted on platform X.
Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson shared two children: River Rose, 11 years old, and Remington “Remy” James, 9 years old. Blackstock also had two other children, Savannah, 23, and Seth, from his first marriage with Melissa Ashworth.
Following their separation, Blackstock purchased a property in Butte, Montana, valued at $1.8 million, shortly after their divorce was finalized in 2022.
In March of this year, he was last seen in public, appearing frail while attending the Houston Rodeo with his children, accompanied by his brother, Shelby.
Brandon and Kelly’s relationship began in 2012, culminating in their marriage in October 2013. For nearly seven years, their personal and professional lives intertwined, as Blackstock also served as Clarkson’s manager, negotiating significant contracts for her shows like The Voice and her own talk show.
However, the dynamics of their relationship grew tense over the years, ultimately leading Kelly to file for divorce in June 2020, with the process concluding in 2022. According to industry insiders cited by Page Six, “He had a positive influence on Kelly’s career, but managing the dual roles of husband and manager proved complicated.”
“Ironically, he significantly impacted her life positively; without him, she wouldn’t be where she is today,” a source remarked.
Negociations surrounding the divorce were reported to be “intense and exhausting,” especially as they sought to maintain stability for their children during the split. According to the divorce agreement, Clarkson agreed to pay Blackstock a lump sum of $1.3 million, as well as monthly child support of $45,601 and $115,000 in alimony until January last year.
The custody agreement for River and Remy is shared, with the children residing primarily in Los Angeles with Kelly Clarkson and visiting Brandon’s home in Montana on a monthly basis.
Additionally, the divorce settlement stipulated that Blackstock retains control over the farm animals they shared, including cattle, dogs, and horses, while Clarkson was to keep their domestic pets, a grand piano, hunting equipment, and firearms. This agreement signifies the personal complexities both faced as they moved forward in their lives, emphasizing the lasting impact of their relationship.