Brandon Blackstock, former talent manager and ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson, died on August 7, 2025, at age 49 after a three-year battle with melanoma. His obituary, which omitted Clarkson but named his partner Brittney Marie Jones, highlighted his “cowboy way of life” in Montana, where he co-founded Headwaters Livestock Auction and the Valley View Rodeo.

Survived by his four children, parents, stepparents including Reba McEntire, siblings, and grandchildren, Brandon’s celebration of life was held August 17 in Montana. Jones, who once worked as Clarkson’s production assistant, later became Brandon’s executive assistant and partner in their ranch ventures.

Reba McEntire, his former stepmother, paid tribute on Instagram, writing, “His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace.” The Silver Bow County Coroner confirmed his cause of death as melanoma, with Brandon passing peacefully under hospice care at home.

In his final year, he focused on treatment and family time. His son Seth honored him as a “father, son, brother, and best friend,” sharing personal memories and photos from their life together.

Clarkson reportedly took a hiatus from her talk show earlier this year to be with their children during his illness. She postponed her Las Vegas residency dates the day before his death to remain “fully present” for them.