Kelly Clarkson’s Family Issues Tragic Announcement

The cancellation of Kelly Clarkson’s recent Las Vegas shows had fans speculating—but now the reason is heartbreakingly clear.

Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has died at the age of 48 following a private three-year battle with cancer. The family confirmed his passing on August 7, sharing that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. They’ve asked for privacy as they grieve.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a representative for the family said in a statement to PEOPLE. “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.”

On Wednesday, August 6, Kelly Clarkson revealed that Blackstock had been battling illness and announced she was postponing her Las Vegas residency in order to focus on caring for their children, 11-year-old River and 9-year-old Remington.

“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 in a statement, also thanking fans for their “grace, kindness and understanding.”

LOS ANGELES – JAN 12: Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock arrives for the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards on January 12, 2020 in Santa Monica, CA

Blackstock, a longtime music manager, was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and in Clarkson’s life. The two married in 2013 after meeting years earlier, eventually raising four children together—two of their own, River and Remington, and two from Blackstock’s previous marriage. In 2022, he became a grandfather when his daughter, Savannah, had a child of her own.

Despite the high-profile nature of their divorce, which dragged out over two years and drew attention for its legal disputes and financial settlements, the news of Blackstock’s death has brought a renewed focus on family—particularly their children, who are now facing the loss of their father at a young age.

Just one day before the announcement, Clarkson called off several scheduled performances from her Las Vegas residency. At the time, she said she needed to be “fully present” for her kids, hinting at the seriousness of Blackstock’s condition. Caesars Palace confirmed that affected ticket holders would be contacted with rescheduling details, with some shows expected to resume in November.

LOS ANGELES – APR 27: Kelly Clarkson arrives for the ‘Ugly Dolls’ World Premiere on April 27, 2019

During their marriage, Blackstock also served as Clarkson’s manager through Starstruck Entertainment, a firm owned by his father, Narvel Blackstock. He had previously managed major clients like Blake Shelton and was deeply embedded in the country and pop music scenes. He was also the stepson of country legend Reba McEntire.

Clarkson had once credited Blackstock as the inspiration behind her 2015 hit “Piece by Piece,” which spoke to emotional healing and support. The sentiment behind that song stood in stark contrast to the legal battles that came years later, which included a $1.3 million lump-sum settlement to Blackstock, along with monthly child and spousal support. He was later ordered to repay Clarkson over $2.6 million after a court found he had violated labor laws by booking work for her without the proper licensing.

In May 2024, both parties formally dropped their remaining legal claims, effectively closing the door on years of litigation. By then, Blackstock had reportedly moved to Montana to lead a quieter life.

No funeral or memorial details have been made public as of Thursday, and the family continues to ask for privacy.