Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, dies at 48
Brandon Blackstock, a television producer, talent manager and Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband has died at 48.
Reba McEntire’s only son is paying tribute to his half-brother Brandon Blackstock, who died this week at 48.
In an Instagram post on Friday, Aug. 8, Shelby Blackstock wrote in his caption that “words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son.”
Blackstock’s family confirmed his death in a statement to USA TODAY on Thursday, Aug. 7: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a statement read.
In his individual note, the race car driver wrote that his older brother “was an irreplaceable part of our family – funny, bright, and full of life – and he will be deeply missed.”
“He taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever. For every treasured moment we shared, there are so many more we’ll never get to make together, but I know you’ll still be there,” he added. “Every hunt, every flight, and in the everyday moments of life, I’ll feel your presence.”
Blackstock jokingly said that “although it may annoy you, you’ll have to watch me do it all just a little better, a little smoother, and – let’s be honest – looking far more handsome than you ever could in the process,” adding that the family “will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you.”
The Blackstock brothers are both the sons of Narvel Blackstock, who was once married to country music superstar McEntire. Before tying the knot with the “Reba” star, the eldest Blackstock was married to Elisa Gayle Ritter; they welcomed Brandon Blackstock in 1976, then divorced in 1988. McEntire and Blackstock married in 1989.
“Brandon’s been my son forever it seems. Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total – my blood,” McEntire told “Entertainment Tonight” in 2021.
Blackstock was also married to pop star Kelly Clarkson for seven years until their 2020 split and he is survived by his two children with Clarkson – River Rose Blackstock, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander Blackstock, 9 – as well as two children from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth: Savannah and Seth Blackstock.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson