NEED TO KNOW
Brandon Blackstock dealt with a private health crisis for three years before he died on Thursday, Aug. 7.
In announcing his death, a representative for the talent manager and his family revealed that Blackstock, who was 48, “bravely battled cancer for more than three years.”
Blackstock had not publicly shared his diagnosis prior to his death, though ex-wife Kelly Clarkson revealed that he was “ill” in a statement shared on Wednesday, July. 6.
Clarkson, 43, wrote on Instagram at the time that she would be postponing her Las Vegas residency in order to be “fully present” for the former couple’s children River, 11, and Remington, 9, amid Blackstock’s illness.
“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,” she wrote in a statement. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
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The “Stronger” singer, who was married to Blackstock from 2013 to 2020, missed several episodes of her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, earlier this year largely due to Blackstock’s illness, multiple sources told PEOPLE.
She stepped away briefly in March, and had guest hosts like Simu Liu, Wanda Sykes and Brooke Shields take her place, though she was back by March 20.
Blackstock’s family announced his death via a representative in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Aug. 7.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the statement read. “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.”
He was dad to River and Remington, as well as daughter Savannah and son Seth from a previous marriage.
