KELLY Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock has died from cancer at just 48 years old.
His death came after the singer abruptly canceled shows in Las Vegas to rush to her family’s side.
In a statement, a representative for the star said, “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,” they told People.
“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.”
Clarkson postponed her residency in Los Angeles on Wednesday to spend time with her and Blackstock’s children River, 11, and Remington, 9.
She said, “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.”
Clarkson first met Blackstock in 2006, when his father Narvel Blackstock was her manager.
Narvel was married to Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2005, making Blackstock her former stepson.
Blackstock was still married to his ex-wife, with whom he shares two children, when he met Clarkson, but they stayed in touch and started dating after they split.
In 2013, the two got married, and Blackstock, who had worked with Blake Shelton, became Clarkson’s manager.
He inspired her 2015 single Piece by Piece, which was about how Blackstock provided the love and stability that Clarkson never received from her father.
In a 2017 interview with SiriusXM, Clarkson described her husband as the first person she felt “sexually attracted to.”
“And I’m not downing my exes. You know, everybody’s different, but there was something about him.”
The couple ultimately filed for divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences.
The proceedings were messy, and the two fought over their Montana ranch, where Blackstock lived with their children.
Clarkson won the property, but lost a legal battle that would have evicted her ex from the home.
In March 2022, their divorce was finalized, and the singer had to pay Blackstock a one-time settlement of $1.3 million plus monthly spousal and child support payments.
But then in 2023, Blackstock had to pay her over $2.6 million after losing a lawsuit that alleged her overstepped his legal limits while working as her manager.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
Content shared from www.the-sun.com.