Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband dies; singer had paused Las Vegas residency for his illness

Singer Kelly Clarkson paused her Las Vegas residency to be with her family due to her ex-husband’s illness. Hours later, news of his passing was confirmed.

Update 2:21 p.m. ET Aug. 7: People magazine was first to report on Blackstock’s death, publishing a statement from a representative for the family, which read, “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.”

Deadline and NBC News also confirmed the news of his death.

Blackstock was 48 years old.

He had been Clarkson’s manager in the early days of her career, Entertainment Weekly reported. The two met during a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2006. He was still married to his previous wife, Melissa Ashworth, at the time, according to People. He was also an executive producer for her talk show from 2019 to 2020. He left the industry in 2021 after their separation, becoming a full-time rancher in Montana, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Blackstock leaves behind his and Clarkson’s two children, as well as two children with Ashworth and a grandson.

Original report: Clarkson told fans via social media that she had to postpone the remaining August dates of her “Studio Session” shows, Deadline reported.

“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,” she wrote as part of the announcement.

She did not say what her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, is suffering from, E! News reported.

Clarkson and Blackstock, who is the stepson of country icon Reba McEntire, were married in 2013 but broke up in 2020. Their divorce was finalized in 2022, People magazine reported.

The couple shares two children — River Rose, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 8.

Her next “Studio Sessions” concert is set for Nov. 7, according to Deadline. To see the complete list of dates, visit Ticketmaster.

This is not the first time she has had to reschedule part of the residency. She had to push back the concert series from its original July 4 and 5 dates because she had to protect her vocal cords after practicing too hard during rehearsals.

“The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice,” she said last month hours before she was to take the stage, E! News reported. “I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve. The show is truly incredible.”

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