Brandon Blackstock’s Final Red Carpet Appearance in Photos originally appeared on Parade.
As the tragic news of Brandon Blackstock‘s death continues to send shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, some are looking back at the talent manager’s final red carpet appearance — which was with his then-wife, Kelly Clarkson.
Blackstock, who — in addition to his role as a high-profile talent manager, was previously married to Clarkson and was the former stepson of Reba McEntire — died at age 48 after a years-long battle with cancer, his family announced in a statement on Thursday, August 7.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
One day prior, Clarkson — who shares daughter River Rose, 11, and son Remington, 9, with Blackstock — announced that she had to postpone her upcoming Las Vegas performances because “over this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”
While Blackstock has primarily been in the news over the past five years due to his tumultuous divorce from Clarkson, 43, his last red carpet appearance before his death was actually with the “Since You Been Gone” singer. The couple posed together — all smiles — at the 2020 Critics’ Choice Awards, which was held that January. Six months later, Clarkson filed for divorce.
The exes were locked in a legal battle for nearly two years before finalizing their divorce in March 2022. Clarkson, who received primary physical custody of River and Remy, ultimately had to pay more than $1 million to Blackstock, as well as more than $45,000 monthly in child support. The Kelly Clarkson Show host also had to pay $115,000 in spousal support.
In 2021, one year into their divorce, Clarkson spoke of the difficulties of co-parenting in an interview on her show with Khloé Kardashian.
“It’s tough. … I know with me and Brandon, it’s just a difficult thing because we’re in different places, and it’s like, we both agree on the main things, but it’s a hard thing when you’re not together all the time, for me personally,” the “Heartbeat Song” singer confessed.
In addition to his children with Clarkson, Blackstock is also survived by his two eldest children — daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, whom he shared with first wife Melissa Ashworth — as well as his grandson, Lake (Savannah’s child), and father Narvel Blackstock (who was previously married to McEntire). Blackstock also leaves behind three siblings.
Rest in peace.
Brandon Blackstock’s Final Red Carpet Appearance in Photos first appeared on Parade on Aug 7, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
