Brandon Blackstock was a prominent American music manager known both for his work in the entertainment industry and for his high-profile marriage to singer Kelly Clarkson. Born on December 16, 1976, in Fort Worth, Texas, he came from a family deeply rooted in country music and artist management. His father, Narvel Blackstock, founded the management company Starstruck Entertainment, which represented several major country artists.
Professionally, Brandon carved out a significant niche for himself by managing major music artists such as Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, and Carly Pearce. For several years, he also served as Kelly Clarkson’s manager before their relationship turned romantic. Brandon and Kelly first met in 2006, but they didn’t reconnect until 2012. That same year, they became engaged and were married in October 2013.
Their relationship became strained over time, and in 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2022 after a highly publicized legal battle over custody and property. Clarkson retained primary custody of their children, while Brandon eventually transitioned away from artist management to pursue a career as a rancher in Montana.
Age, Parents, and Siblings
Age and Birth Details
Brandon Blackstock was born on December 16, 1976, in Fort Worth, Texas, and passed away at the age of 48 on August 7, 2025, following a more-than-three-year struggle with cancer.
Parents
His father was Narvel Blackstock, a prominent music manager and founder of Starstruck Entertainment—one of Nashville’s most noted talent management firms. His mother was Elisa Gayle Ritter.
Siblings
Brandon had two full sisters, Shawna Rene Blackstock and Chassidy Celeste Blackstock. His father’s second marriage to country music star Reba McEntire produced a half‑brother, Shelby Blackstock, born in 1990.
Early Life and Education
Raised in a music-affiliated household, Brandon spent his early years in Fort Worth, immersed in the country music scene through his father’s career. Details about his formal education are scarce, as most public documentation focuses on his familial ties and early entry into the entertainment business rather than academic background.
Career
Entering the Family Business
Brandon followed in his father’s footsteps, joining Starstruck Entertainment, the management company his father had co-founded. There, he began developing his reputation as a manager and producer, gaining recognition for his keen insight into the music business.
Talent Management Work
During his career, Brandon managed several prominent country music acts, including Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, and Carly Pearce. He also managed Kelly Clarkson for a period, combining professional and personal ties.
Later Ventures
Following his divorce and retreat from the public eye, Brandon resided at a ranch in Montana, where he founded Valley View Rodeo. This represented a significant shift from music management to an entrepreneurial, agricultural focus.
Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2025, Brandon Blackstock’s net worth was estimated at around $10 million. His wealth stemmed from his management career and investments tied to properties, including real estate and ranch holdings. Following his divorce, Kelly Clarkson retained primary assets, though Brandon maintained a 5% interest in the family’s Montana ranch, then valued at approximately $17 million.
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Wife, Relationship, and Marriage
Meeting and Engagement
Brandon and Kelly Clarkson met in 2006 at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards, where Brandon was managing Rascal Flatts. They reconnected at the 2012 Super Bowl and soon began dating. They became engaged by the end of 2012.
Marriage
They married in an intimate ceremony in October 2013 at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, with only close family present, reflecting their preference for privacy despite public prominence.
Personal Life and Children
Children from First Marriage
Before marrying Clarkson, Brandon was married to Melissa Ashworth. They had two children together: Savannah and Seth.
Children with Kelly Clarkson
Brandon and Kelly had two children:
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River Rose, born June 2014
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Remington “Remy” Alexander, born April 2016
Kelly also developed a close bond with Savannah and Seth and has spoken about her relationship with them positively.
Divorce and Legal Matters
Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The legal separation, finalized in March 2022, included disputes over custody, finances, and contention related to Brandon’s role as her manager. Clarkson received primary physical custody and financial support, including a one‑time settlement and monthly spousal/child support.
Additionally, in late 2023, the California Labor Commissioner ordered Brandon to repay over $2.6 million in commissions for deals he had managed improperly—violating licensing laws—related to Clarkson’s work on projects like The Voice.
Death
Brandon Blackstock died on August 7, 2025, at age 48, following a private battle with cancer—widely reported to be melanoma—that lasted more than three years. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Just one day prior, Clarkson announced she was postponing her Las Vegas residency to care for their children amid his health crisis, signaling the gravity of the situation.
Conclusion
Brandon Blackstock’s biography reveals a life lived at the intersection of music, family, and resilience. From his early immersion in the industry thanks to his father’s legacy, to managing some of country music’s biggest names, he made his mark behind the scenes. His relationship with Kelly Clarkson brought notoriety, joy, and complexity, culminating in a public legal battle and personal transformation.
Yet, beyond the headlines, Brandon was a devoted father of four, a ranch founder, and someone who faced illness with quiet strength. His legacy lives on through his children, the artists he supported, and the love and respect shared by those who knew him best.
FAQ
Who was Brandon Blackstock?
- Brandon Blackstock was an American talent manager and producer, known for working with artists like Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Carly Pearce, and for being married to Kelly Clarkson.
When and where was he born?
- He was born on December 16, 1976, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Who were his parents and siblings?
- His father was Narvel Blackstock, a notable manager. His mother, Elisa Gayle Ritter, raised him alongside two full sisters. He also had a half-brother, Shelby, from his father’s marriage to Reba McEntire.
What was his role in the music industry?
- He worked at Starstruck Management and managed multiple high-profile country artists, in addition to managing his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, for a time.
What was his net worth?
- At the time of his death, his estimated net worth was around $10 million.
Who was Brandon Blackstock married to?
- He was married to Kelly Clarkson from October 2013 until their divorce in 2022.
How many children did he have?
- He had four children: Savannah and Seth from his first marriage, and River Rose and Remington “Remy” Alexander with Kelly Clarkson.
When did he die and from what cause?
- He passed away on August 7, 2025, after a private, over three-year battle with cancer, commonly reported as melanoma.
