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The Tragic Timeline: 5 Shocking Facts About Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband, Brandon Blackstock, Including His Unexpected 2025 Death

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The story of Kelly Clarkson and her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has captivated the public for years, transitioning from a beloved celebrity romance to one of the most contentious and costly divorces in modern Hollywood history. As of December 22, 2025, the narrative has taken a profoundly tragic and unexpected turn with the news of Blackstock's passing, bringing a sudden and quiet end to the long-running legal and personal drama that defined their final years together. The former talent manager, who was a central figure in Clarkson's life and career for over a decade, died in August 2025 at the age of 48 after a private battle with cancer. This development has cast a retrospective light on his life, his high-profile career, the bitter divorce settlement, and the significant financial and legal disputes that were only recently resolved, including the highly-publicized $2.6 million repayment order.

Brandon Blackstock: A Complete Biography and Profile

Brandon Blackstock was an American talent manager and businessman who became a national figure following his marriage to singer and television host Kelly Clarkson. His life was deeply intertwined with the country music industry, not only through his work but also through his family ties.

  • Full Name: Brandon Blackstock
  • Date of Birth: December 16, 1976
  • Place of Birth: Fort Worth, Texas, USA
  • Date of Death: August 7, 2025
  • Age at Death: 48
  • Cause of Death: Cancer (following a private battle)
  • Parents: Narvel Blackstock (Father, music manager) and Elisa Gayle Ritter (Mother)
  • Stepmother: Reba McEntire (Narvel’s second wife, until their 2015 divorce)
  • Career: Talent Manager, Executive Producer (*The Kelly Clarkson Show*), Rancher
  • Management Firm: Starstruck Management Group (co-owned by his father, Narvel Blackstock)
  • Spouses: Melissa Ashworth (divorced), Kelly Clarkson (married 2013, divorced 2022)
  • Children: Savannah and Seth (from first marriage); River Rose and Remington Alexander (with Kelly Clarkson)
  • Estimated Net Worth at Time of Death: $10 Million

The Bitter Divorce Settlement and Final Financial Rulings

Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock in June 2020 after nearly seven years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. What followed was a protracted, two-year-long legal battle that became a tabloid fixture, revolving around child custody, spousal support, and the division of their assets, most notably their $10.4 million Montana ranch.

The End of Spousal Support and Child Custody Details

The final divorce settlement, which was finalized in 2022, outlined specific financial and custody arrangements. A major point of contention was the spousal support, which was set at a staggering amount that drew national attention. Clarkson was ordered to pay Blackstock $115,000 per month in spousal support. However, this high-figure payment was not indefinite; the agreement stipulated that the payments would cease on January 31, 2024.

The custody arrangement for their two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, was also clearly defined. Clarkson was granted primary physical custody in Los Angeles, which was a key factor in her decision to relocate *The Kelly Clarkson Show* to New York. Despite the primary physical custody being with Clarkson, both parents were granted joint legal custody. Clarkson was also ordered to pay Blackstock $45,601 per month in child support, a significant sum intended to ensure the children’s lifestyle would be maintained during their time with their father.

The Montana Ranch Ownership Battle

The $10.4 million ranch in Montana, known as Warren Peak Ranch, was a major sticking point in the divorce. Brandon Blackstock had been living there since the separation, even after Clarkson was ruled the legal owner of the property. The final ruling on the property was a complex split: Kelly Clarkson maintained full ownership of the ranch, but she was required to give Blackstock a 5.12 percent ownership interest in the property. This arrangement effectively allowed Blackstock to continue living on the ranch for a period until the ownership interest was settled, providing him a base of operations for his post-management career as a rancher.

The $2.6 Million Repayment Order and Starstruck Management Lawsuit

One of the most damaging aspects of the divorce was the legal battle between Clarkson and her former management company, Starstruck Management Group, which was run by Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock. Clarkson filed a lawsuit alleging that Blackstock and the firm had defrauded her by securing deals without a proper license.

In a major victory for Clarkson, a California labor commissioner ruled in November 2023 that Brandon Blackstock had unlawfully secured several high-profile deals for the singer, including her lucrative role on *The Voice*, her partnership with Wayfair, and her deal with Norwegian Cruise Line.

The commissioner ordered Blackstock to repay Kelly Clarkson $2.6 million in commissions. This ruling was a significant financial blow to Blackstock and a dramatic conclusion to the fraud allegations. Clarkson filed a new lawsuit in March 2024, seeking to enforce the repayment order, indicating that the financial dispute was still active in the months leading up to Blackstock's unexpected death in August 2025.

Brandon Blackstock’s Career Pivot and Final Years

Following the tumultuous divorce proceedings, Brandon Blackstock made a dramatic career U-turn. He stepped away from the music and entertainment industry, where he had worked as a talent manager for artists like Blake Shelton and his then-wife Kelly Clarkson, and executive produced *The Kelly Clarkson Show*.

Blackstock pivoted to a new life as a rancher in Montana, a move he reportedly made to escape the Hollywood spotlight and focus on a more private, outdoor lifestyle. This career change was a clear sign of his intention to leave his former life behind. He was reportedly living on the Montana property, embracing his new role, and had found a new partner, described as a "soulmate," in the months before his passing.

His unexpected death at age 48 in August 2025 closed the final chapter on a complex, high-stakes divorce saga, leaving behind a legacy that includes his work with major music stars and the two children he shared with one of pop music's most enduring figures.

kelly clarkson's ex husband
kelly clarkson's ex husband

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