Brandon Blackstock’s Death Marks the End of an Era for His Family and the Entertainment World
Brandon Blackstock, a prominent talent manager and the ex-husband of Grammy-winning singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson, has passed away at 48 after a valiant three-year battle with cancer. The heartbreaking news was confirmed Thursday through a social media post by Starstruck Entertainment, the Nashville-based talent management company founded by his father, Narvel Blackstock, where Brandon held a prominent executive role.
Blackstock’s untimely death follows a period of silence on his health, with the tragic announcement arriving just one day after Clarkson revealed her plans to delay the August dates of her Las Vegas residency due to her ex-husband’s declining health. The couple, who share two children—River, 11, and Remington, 9—had been navigating this difficult chapter privately, with Clarkson expressing her need to pause her professional commitments to focus on her family.
In an emotional post shared to her Instagram on Wednesday, Clarkson said, “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.” Clarkson’s vulnerability resonated deeply with fans, as she went on to thank them for their “grace, kindness, and understanding” during a challenging time.
It was not only Blackstock’s marriage to Clarkson that placed him in the public eye but also his longstanding career in the entertainment industry. Having worked as an executive producer on The Kelly Clarkson Show from 2019 to 2020, Blackstock was instrumental in the creation and success of his ex-wife’s talk show. His contributions also extended to the country music scene, where he played a pivotal role in managing the career of country singer Blake Shelton, further cementing his reputation as a respected talent manager.
The roots of Blackstock’s career and family ties in the entertainment industry run deep. His father, Narvel Blackstock, founded Starstruck Entertainment in 1988, a company that has represented several high-profile artists throughout the years. Additionally, Narvel was married to country music legend Reba McEntire from 1989 until their divorce in 2015, making McEntire his former mother-in-law and a significant presence in his personal life. In fact, just a few months ago, Brandon Blackstock was photographed enjoying a family outing with his children at the Houston Rodeo, alongside his brother Shelby and McEntire, further highlighting the close-knit nature of his extended family.
Blackstock’s family life was equally rich, with his two children from a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth, by his side during his final years. He became a grandfather in 2022, when Savannah welcomed a son, Lake, marking a new chapter in his life that brought him joy and pride.
Although the loss of Brandon Blackstock marks the end of a significant chapter for his family and the entertainment world, it is clear that his legacy will live on through the countless artists he mentored, the family he cherished, and the way he helped shape the entertainment landscape behind the scenes. As the Blackstock family mourns this profound loss, Kelly Clarkson and her children remain in the hearts and minds of many, as they navigate the complexities of grief and healing in the public eye.
