Brandon Blackstock Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle in Montana

Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of Kelly Clarkson, died peacefully at age 48 after a private three-year battle with melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer he kept secret. Following their acrimonious divorce finalized in 2022, Blackstock retreated to his $1.8 million Montana ranch, where he focused on his rodeo business and preferred a quiet life away from the entertainment industry. Although Clarkson was not directly caring for him during his illness, she ensured their two children, River Rose and Remington, spent significant time with their father, traveling frequently to Montana. Blackstock also spent much of his final six months surrounded by his family, especially his eldest daughter Savannah, who was with him almost constantly and experienced great difficulty following his passing. Despite the bitterness of their separation, sources indicate that the diagnosis changed perspectives but did not bring Clarkson and Blackstock closer, with Clarkson primarily focused on supporting their children through the tragedy. The couple’s shared dedication to co-parenting and family time during Blackstock’s illness reflected a shift in priorities amid the difficult circumstances.