The first-ever winner of “American Idol” endured years of personal and legal turmoil with her former husband in the years leading up to his death, as court records and interviews detail the strain on their family life.

Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, has died at 48 after a battle with cancer. He was also the stepson of country music star Reba McEntire.

His family confirmed his death in a statement to USA Today on Thursday, August 7, 2025. “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the statement read.Clarkson and Blackstock, who married in October 2013 after getting engaged in December 2012, share two children: daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander. The couple’s divorce proceedings revealed that co-parenting had been a challenge.In November 2020, People reported that a Los Angeles County judge granted Clarkson primary physical custody of their children. The documents stated, “The Court finds that under the circumstances present in this case, the interest in providing stability and continuity for the minor children weighs in favor of Petitioner having primary custody.”The documents also noted that “the level of conflict between the parents has increased. The parties have a difficult time co-parenting due to issues of trust between them.”
Watch below…