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Brandon Blackstock stayed largely out of the spotlight in recent years.
The talent manager, who died at age 48 on August 7 after a private battle with melanoma, made his final public appearance at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
Blackstock stepped out five years ago in January 2020 for the ceremony. He walked the red carpet with then-wife Kelly Clarkson.
Months later, in June, the singer, 43, filed for divorce.
The exes were married for almost 10 years before their union ended with a contentious divorce.
Blackstock and Clarkson fought over finances, custody and property for two years.
The former flames share kids River Rose, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 9.
The lengthy court battle concluded in March 2022, when a judge granted Blackstock $115,000 per month in spousal support until January 2024. He was also awarded a monthly amount of $45,600 in child support.
Blackstock is also dad to daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, with his ex-wife Melissa Ashworth. The pair were married from 2001 to 2012.
Just a month before Blackstock’s death, Savannah announced that she’s expecting her second child.
She shared the news on her private Instagram account on July 5.
“We’ve been keeping a couple sweet surprises,” penned Savannah. “One little girl will be making her arrival at the beginning of January and another beautiful girl named Julianna who has already been one of the greatest blessings to our family.”
“The Lord has been so faithful,” she continued. “He’s written a story we never could’ve imagined, and His kindness in this season has left us in awe. He’s answered prayers we never even knew how to pray.”
Savannah is already mom to 3-year-old son, Lake, with her husband, Quentin Lee.
“This journey has been so special full of peace, excitement, and so much grace,” she added. “We’re growing again, and our hearts are so full. Thank you, Jesus. 🤍”
Brandon’s family shared the tragic news of his passing on Thursday.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,” they said in a statement obtained by The Post.
“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.”
Just hours before, Clarkson abruptly canceled the remaining August shows of her Las Vegas residency.
The “American Idol” winner wrote on her Instagram Wednesday evening, “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas.”
“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 revealed.
“I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding,” she concluded.
Clarkson previously canceled her “Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions — The Las Vegas Residency” at Caesars Palace during opening weekend in July.
“We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans,” she wrote in a statement on Instagram. “I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars. The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice.”
Clarkson turned to music after her split from Blackstock.
In 2024, she told People that she poured a lot of her emotions from her divorce into her album, “Chemistry.”
“I didn’t see it other than: This is my outlet,” Clarkson detailed. “I’m a let-go person; I don’t hold grudges. So it was really delving into what happened in my life and why — and what am I going to do about it?”
The artist said releasing the album “[was] like, ‘I’m taking my power back.’”
Now, Clarkson is fully focusing on her two kids following their father’s passing.
Sources said she has “been devastated” for River and Remy.
“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” an insider told People on Thursday.
“Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids,” they added.
While the source acknowledged that Clarkson’s divorce from Blackstock “was incredibly difficult for her,” they noted that the Grammy winner wanted her kids to have a close relationship with their dad.
Calling the split and legal battle “messy, painful and something she felt terrible about,” the source stated, “But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.”
English (US)