 |
Brandon Blackstock, the former talent manager and ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, is being remembered not for his career in the entertainment industry, but for his role as a deeply devoted father. Blackstock, who passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 48 after a three-year battle with cancer, leaves behind four children who, according to his family, were “his greatest love” and the legacy he was most proud of.
In his obituary, family members made it clear that while Blackstock wore many hats throughout his life — husband, son, manager, friend — nothing came close to the pride he felt in being a dad.
"Never did his star shine brighter than in his role as a father," the obituary read. "Nothing mattered to Brandon more than his four beautiful children, Savannah, Seth, River, and Remy."
A Father First
Blackstock was the father of daughter River, 11, and son Remington (known as “Remy”), 9, with Kelly Clarkson, and daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, with his first wife, Melissa Ashworth. In the obituary, the word “devoted” was used to describe his relationship with his kids — a word his loved ones say is not just a description, but the truth of who he was.
“To say he was devoted seems cliché,” the obituary continued. “It feels like an overused word, but it is the correct word. His four children were and will always be his greatest love and his greatest legacy.”
That devotion only grew when he became a grandfather. He was known to his grandchildren as “Pa” — a role that brought him joy and purpose.
“Then came his grandchildren, Lake, Julie, and LouCasey — who is on the way,” the obituary said. “They made him a ‘Pa’... and he was born to be a ‘Pa.’”
A Private Battle with Cancer
A spokesperson for the Blackstock family confirmed the news of his passing to PEOPLE, saying:
"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."
Those close to him revealed that Blackstock had kept much of his health struggle private, focusing his energy on spending quality time with his children and loved ones rather than on public attention.
Kelly Clarkson’s Response
Following Blackstock’s death, sources close to Kelly Clarkson said that she has been “devastated” for her children, who have now lost their father. Clarkson and Blackstock divorced in 2022 after nearly seven years of marriage, but sources say she remained respectful toward him, especially once she learned of his illness.
“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” a source told PEOPLE. “Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids.”
Another insider added that Clarkson is “staying strong” for her children but is “heartbroken” for them.
"Kelly and Brandon had their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, he was the father of her children and she is absolutely heartbroken for them," the source said. "Her kids are her entire world, and she’s staying strong for their sake."
More Than His Career
Brandon Blackstock was well known in the music world for his work as a talent manager. He managed country superstar Blake Shelton and was once part of the team at Starstruck Entertainment, the management company owned by his father, Narvel Blackstock. His career put him in contact with some of the biggest names in country and pop music, but those who knew him personally say his work was never as important as his family.
Friends recall that Blackstock’s happiest moments weren’t at glamorous industry events or award shows, but at family gatherings, school plays, and afternoons at the park with his kids. He was the type of dad who showed up — not just physically, but emotionally.
A Family Man at Heart
Blackstock’s family members say he had a warm, steady presence and a gift for making his loved ones feel seen and supported. His children remember him as someone who cheered the loudest at their games and school events, and who could turn even an ordinary evening at home into a special memory.
He was known for his sense of humor, his big laugh, and his ability to listen without judgment. He encouraged his kids to follow their dreams but also to stay grounded in kindness and humility.
Remembering the Good Times
As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Blackstock’s life will be remembered not by the headlines of his career or the details of his divorce, but by the everyday moments of love he shared with his children and grandchildren.
Family members say they hope his legacy will inspire others to value relationships over status and to treasure time with loved ones.
“Brandon’s life reminds us that the measure of a person’s success is not in what they own or the titles they hold, but in the love they give and the lives they touch,” a family friend shared.
Brandon Blackstock’s Story is one of Family
While funeral arrangements have not been made public, it is believed that services will be private, attended by close friends and family. In keeping with his wishes, the focus will be on celebrating his life and the love he poured into his family rather than on mourning his death.
In the end, Brandon Blackstock’s story is one of family, resilience, and unconditional love. His four children, and the grandchildren who called him “Pa,” will carry forward the lessons he taught them and the memories they created together.
"He was a father before anything else," a friend said. "If you knew Brandon, you knew that his kids were his heart. That’s what he lived for, and that’s what he’ll be remembered for."
For those who loved him, the grief is heavy — but so is the gratitude for the time they had. And as his family said in his obituary, his star shone brightest when he was with his children. That light, they believe, will continue to guide them, even in his absence.