LOS ANGELES, CA — Brandon Blackstock, a longtime music manager and the former husband of Grammy-winning singer Kelly Clarkson, has died at the age of 48. His death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, as fans and colleagues alike react to the unexpected loss. Blackstock was also widely known as the former stepson of country music icon Reba McEntire.
Though details surrounding the cause of death have not been officially released, sources close to the family confirmed that Blackstock passed away earlier this week. The news became public shortly after Clarkson announced the postponement of several upcoming shows from her Las Vegas residency, citing a “family emergency” in a statement released on Wednesday.
“Out of respect for my family’s privacy during this incredibly difficult time, I will be stepping away from my Vegas shows for the remainder of the week,” Clarkson said in a message to fans. “I appreciate your understanding and support.”
Brandon Blackstock had deep ties to the music industry. As a talent manager, he worked with a number of high-profile clients over the years through his company Starstruck Management Group, which was founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock. Brandon notably managed Clarkson’s career for a time during their marriage, as well as working with other artists across the country and pop genres.
Born in 1977, Blackstock grew up in a family closely intertwined with music and entertainment. His father, Narvel, was a former steel guitar player who transitioned into a managerial role, eventually marrying Reba McEntire in 1989 and becoming her longtime business partner. Though Reba and Narvel divorced in 2015, Brandon remained a part of the extended family and was frequently seen at industry events and family gatherings.
Blackstock married Kelly Clarkson in 2013, and the two shared nearly seven years of marriage before finalizing their divorce in 2021. The split was highly publicized, particularly due to a contentious legal battle over finances, child custody, and property ownership. The couple shared two children — daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander — both of whom Clarkson has continued to raise primarily in Los Angeles. Despite their separation, Clarkson had previously said that co-parenting was her top priority.
In recent years, Blackstock had stepped back from the spotlight, focusing more on personal ventures, including reportedly managing a Montana ranch that was part of the former couple’s dispute during divorce proceedings. He had also largely withdrawn from the high-profile talent management scene that once defined his professional life.
Since news of his death broke, tributes have begun pouring in from across the entertainment industry. While Kelly Clarkson has not released a formal statement beyond her initial show postponement, a representative for her team confirmed that she is “grieving privately and asking for space during this difficult time.”
Reba McEntire has not yet commented publicly on Blackstock’s passing, though sources close to the family say she is “devastated” by the news. Blackstock remained close with several members of his extended family, including his half-siblings and children from a previous marriage.
Fans and peers alike have taken to social media to share their condolences, expressing both sorrow and support for his family. Many acknowledged Blackstock’s complex legacy — a figure tied deeply to both the creative and business sides of the music industry, whose personal relationships often became part of the public narrative.
Blackstock is survived by his four children — two from his marriage to Clarkson and two from a previous relationship — as well as his father Narvel and several extended family members.
Funeral arrangements and memorial plans have not yet been announced.
Key Facts:
- Name: Brandon Blackstock
- Age: 48
- Profession: Music manager
- Notable relationships: Ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson; former stepson of Reba McEntire
- Children: Four (including two with Clarkson)
- Death announced: August 6, 2025 (exact cause undisclosed)
- Clarkson’s response: Postponed Las Vegas residency shows due to “family emergency”
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