Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager, Kelly Clarkson‘s ex-husband and former stepson of Reba McEntire, died on August 7, 2025, after battling cancer. He was 48 years old. Blackstock’s death came just hours after Clarkson announced she was postponing her Las Vegas residency for the sake of her and Blackstock’s two children. As fans and friends of Blackstock grapple with the news, many want to learn what type of cancer he was living with.
Blackstock and Clarkson divorced in 2022 after separating in 2020. Though their split was complicated, the “Because of You” artist prioritized their kids, River and Remington, and notably took time off from work to support her family.
Get updates on what we know so far about Brandon’s cancer and his health below.
What Type of Cancer Did Brandon Blackstock Have?
Brandon had melanoma, a form of a skin cancer, per TMZ. A rep for the family noted he was battling the illness for “more than three years.”
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a rep for Blackstock told People in a statement on August 7, 2025. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
Days after Brandon died, Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis confirmed that his cause of death was melanoma, and that his manner of death was from natural causes.
“Brandon Blackstock passed away peacefully at his home in Butte, Montana on August 7th under hospice care surrounded by his family,” Hollis told People on August 11, 2025.
What Was Brandon Blackstock’s Cause of Death?
Brandon’s official cause of death was listed as malignant melanoma, according to his death certificate from the Butte-Silver Bow County Clerk and Recorder’s office in Butte, Montana, obtained by People. The document noted that Brandon had melanoma for three years, and seizures were listed as “significant conditions contributing to death but not resulting in the underlying cause.”
What Did Kelly Clarkson Say About Her Ex-Husband’s Illness?
Clarkson did not specify what was going on with her ex-husband in her August 6, 2025, Instagram announcement. She only revealed that she was postponing the upcoming August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas because of Blackstock’s ailment.
“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 explained while apologizing to her fans.
How Many Kids Does Brandon Blackstock Have?
Blackstock is survived by four children in total. He shares his two kids River and Remington with Clarkson and his other two children, Savannah and Seth, with ex-wife Melissa Ashworth.
Is Brandon Blackstock Reba McEntire’s Son?
No, Blackstock is not McEntire’s biological son, but he was her stepson while she was married to her ex-husband Narvel Blackstock.