A family representative confirmed that Brandon Blackstock died on Thursday, Aug. 7 at age 48 following a cancer diagnosis he received after his divorce from Kelly Clarkson.
Blackstock was diagnosed with cancer after his 2022 divorce from Clarkson, according to a source who spoke with PEOPLE.
The former music manager and Clarkson were married from 2013 to 2020, when the singer filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized two years later.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the family’s statement read. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”
Blackstock moved back to Montana in 2022 following his diagnosis, a second source told PEOPLE.
The couple shared two children during their marriage: daughter River, now 11, and son Remington, now 9.
Clarkson Postponed Shows to Support Children
One day before Blackstock’s death, Clarkson postponed her August Las Vegas residency shows. She revealed in a statement that her children’s father had been “ill” and she needed to be present for them.
“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 wrote.
She apologized to fans who had purchased tickets and asked for their understanding.
A source close to the situation said Clarkson has “been devastated” for her children throughout Blackstock’s private illness.
“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” the source said. “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.”
Protecting the Children’s Relationship
Despite their difficult divorce proceedings, which involved several legal battles following the finalization, Clarkson prioritized her children’s relationship with their father.
The American Idol winner understood how important Blackstock’s relationship with River and Remington was to their well-being.
“The divorce was incredibly difficult for her – messy, painful and something she felt terrible about,” the source explained. “But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.”
Blackstock was also father to son Seth and daughter Savannah from a previous marriage.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they grieve Blackstock’s passing.
