Brandon Blackstock dead: Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband dies aged 48

Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock has died aged 48 after a battle with cancer. The talent manager was married to singer Kelly from 2013 until 2022, with the couple sharing two kids.

A representative for the family told PEOPLE in a statement that Brandon had been diagnosed with cancer over three years ago. They said in a statement: "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. 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." It comes after Kelly Clarkson postpones Las Vegas residency after sudden crisis with ex-husband.

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Earlier this week, Kelly postponed her Las Vegas residency after announcing that Brandon had been taken ill. Taking to Instagram, she wrote: "Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas..

"While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding."

Brandon shared River Rose, 11, and Remington 'Remy' Alexander, nine, with Kelly and also had two children from a previous marriage. In 2022, he became a grandfather after his eldest daughter gave birth to a son.

Brandon's father Narvel was Kelly's previous manager, with the former couple first meeting at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006. After divorcing his first wife, Brandon reconnected with Kelly at the Super Bowl before the pair married in October 2013.

The talent manager, who managed Blake Shelton, took on Kelly as a client after their wedding, with Kelly telling Marie Claire in 2018: "I wouldn’t have hired Brandon to be my manager if I didn’t see first-hand how great he is at that and how much he cares about Blake.

"And the way that [Blake’s] career has blown up, I would have hired Brandon regardless. He’s really talented at what he does and his mind really does work in a completely different way."

Kelly filed for divorce from Brandon after six years of marriage in 2020, just weeks after they put their home on the market. She said in 2023 that the split "ripped her apart".

"I think the thing about divorce — especially having it publicised, and people thinking they know the whole thing, the hardest part of that is, like, it wasn't an overnight decision.

"Anyone that's been divorced knows that was years in trying to make, not make it work – I never wanted to be part of something to 'make it work'."

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