The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of beloved singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson. Blackstock tragically passed away on August 7th after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. He was only 48 years old.
Blackstock's passing leaves behind a legacy as a father, manager, and integral part of the music industry. His father, Narvel Blackstock, is a prominent music manager, and was formerly married to country music icon Reba McEntire, who maintained a close relationship with Brandon and Kelly, even after their divorce.
Kelly Clarkson, understandably, has been navigating an incredibly difficult period. She abruptly canceled her Las Vegas residency to prioritize her family. Now, after taking time to grieve and be with her children, Clarkson is preparing to return to her eponymous talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show.
The show's seventh season is slated to premiere on September 29th, bringing with it a sense of both anticipation and somber reflection. Production for the upcoming season is scheduled to commence next week, building up to the premiere episode later this month.
Despite the personal challenges Clarkson has faced, she remains committed to her show and its audience. The new season promises an impressive roster of celebrity guests, showcasing Clarkson's enduring appeal and the show's popularity within the entertainment landscape.
Among the A-list celebrities scheduled to appear are Emily Blunt, Dwayne Johnson, Reese Witherspoon, Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie, Julia Roberts, Channing Tatum, Lionel Richie, Sylvester Stallone, and Matthew McConaughey. This star-studded lineup underscores the show's continued success and its ability to attract top talent.
Brandon Blackstock's death was confirmed by his agency, Starstruck Entertainment. The agency released a statement acknowledging his valiant fight against malignant melanoma and emphasizing that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. They also requested privacy for the family during this incredibly sensitive time.
Clarkson and Blackstock's relationship, though ultimately ending in divorce, was once a source of great happiness for both. They met in 2006 at an event where his father was managing Clarkson. Their connection deepened, leading to a marriage in 2013.
During their marriage, Blackstock also served as Clarkson's manager, further intertwining their personal and professional lives. Clarkson often spoke fondly of her husband in the early years of their relationship, publicly expressing her love and appreciation for him.
In 2015, Clarkson released the deeply personal single "Piece by Piece," a song that resonated with many due to its heartfelt lyrics about finding love and stability. The song was inspired by Blackstock's presence in her life, contrasting it with the absence of her own father.
The lyrics poignantly describe how Blackstock provided the unwavering support and love that Clarkson had longed for. The song became a testament to their relationship and a powerful expression of gratitude.
In a 2017 interview, Clarkson openly shared her profound attraction to Blackstock, describing him as the first person she felt genuinely "sexually attracted" to. Her candid remarks highlighted the depth of their connection and the passion they shared.
“And I’m not downing my exes. You know, everybody’s different, but there was something about him,” she explained, emphasizing the unique and undeniable spark between them.
The couple's divorce, finalized in 2022, was a complex and protracted process. The split involved numerous legal battles and disputes, creating a challenging environment for both parties involved.
Despite the difficulties, Clarkson and Blackstock eventually reached a settlement, withdrawing their legal filings in 2024 and resolving their outstanding issues. The focus then shifted to co-parenting their children and navigating their new roles as separated parents.
In the months leading up to Blackstock's passing, Clarkson took a sudden leave from her talk show in March, citing a "family issue." Sources later revealed that she was actively involved in caring for Blackstock during his final months.
An insider described the situation as "exhausting and so sad," highlighting the emotional toll it took on Clarkson. Despite the complexities of their divorce, Clarkson remained committed to supporting Blackstock and their children.
"Kelly has been working so hard, as well as looking after Brandon," the insider shared, underscoring her dedication and unwavering commitment to her family.
"Despite their difficult divorce, he's still the man she loved and still her kids' father," the source added, emphasizing the enduring bond that connected them.
Reba McEntire, Blackstock's former stepmother, also maintained a close relationship with him and Clarkson, even after the divorce. She has been known to spend time with their children, providing them with love and support during this transitional period.
In a statement, McEntire expressed her desire to prioritize her family and be fully present for Blackstock's children. "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 stated.
As Kelly Clarkson prepares to return to her talk show, she does so with a heavy heart, carrying the weight of grief and loss. Her resilience and strength in the face of adversity are a testament to her character and her unwavering dedication to her family and career. The upcoming season of The Kelly Clarkson Show will undoubtedly be infused with a mix of emotions, as Clarkson navigates her personal challenges while continuing to entertain and uplift her audience.