Kelly Clarkson’s Private Heartbreak Explodes Into Public View as Painful Secrets from Her Marriage to Brandon Blackstock Surface After His Death at 48
Kelly Clarkson’s Painful Journey with Brandon Blackstock Comes to Light After His Death. Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol winner, faced years of emotional and legal turmoil with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, who died on August 7, 2025, at the age of 48 after a private, three-year battle with cancer.
Blackstock, a music manager and stepson of Reba McEntire, shared two children with Clarkson: River Rose and Remington Alexander. The couple married in 2013 and divorced in 2020. Following their split, a Los Angeles judge granted Clarkson primary custody, citing conflict and a lack of trust.
Blackstock, who was living in Montana, was allowed visitation and daily FaceTime calls. Both were ordered not to speak negatively…
