Who Is Brandon Blackstock?
Brandon Blackstock is an American talent manager, television producer, and entrepreneur best known for his high-profile marriage to Grammy-winning singer Kelly Clarkson and for managing some of the biggest names in country music. A member of the prominent Blackstock entertainment family, Brandon carved out his path in the music industry before transitioning into a quieter life post-divorce.
Field | Details |
Full Name | Brandon Blackstock |
Date of Birth | December 16, 1976 |
Age | 48 years (as of 2025) |
Place of Birth | Fort Worth, Texas, USA |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Talent Manager, TV Producer, Ranch Owner |
Known For | Managing Blake Shelton, Marriage to Kelly Clarkson |
Years Active | 2006 – Present |
Father | Narvel Blackstock |
Mother | Elisa Gayle Ritter |
Step-Mother | Reba McEntire |
Ex-Wife | Kelly Clarkson (2013–2021) |
Children | 4 (Savannah, Seth, River Rose, Remington Alexander) |
Current Residence | Montana, USA |
Religion | Christianity |
Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
Ethnicity | White American |
Languages Known | English |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Cause of Death | Cancer |
Brandon Blackstock Early Life
Brandon was born into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His father, Narvel Blackstock, is a well-known music manager and former steel guitarist. His mother, Elisa Gayle Ritter, also had ties to the music scene. After his parents divorced, Narvel went on to marry country music superstar Reba McEntire, making her Brandon’s stepmother for several years.
Growing up surrounded by music and media, Brandon was exposed early to the inner workings of artist management and show business. This environment heavily influenced his professional choices.
Brandon Blackstock Education
Brandon Blackstock attended local schools in Fort Worth, Texas. Though he didn’t pursue a career as a musician himself, he was deeply influenced by the entertainment industry through his father and stepmother. While exact details of his higher education are not widely public, it’s reported that he gained much of his experience hands-on, working in the family’s management business from a young age. His business and talent management skills were honed through practical exposure rather than formal academic pathways.
Brandon Blackstock Family
Relation | Name | Notes |
Father | Narvel Blackstock | Music manager and TV producer |
Mother | Elisa Gayle Ritter | Narvel’s first wife |
Step-Mother | Reba McEntire | Country music icon |
Ex-Wife | Kelly Clarkson | Singer and talk show host |
Children | Savannah, Seth, River Rose, Remington Alexander | Two from first marriage, two with Kelly |
Step-Siblings | Shelby Blackstock | Race car driver, son of Reba and Narvel |
Brandon Blackstock Career
Brandon Blackstock began his career working in the family business at Starstruck Management Group, a company founded by his father. He went on to become a talent manager for several country artists.
Key Career Milestones:
- Talent Manager: Worked with renowned country artists like Blake Shelton.
- TV Producer: Served as executive producer of The Kelly Clarkson Show, his then-wife’s Emmy-winning daytime talk show.
- Music Consultant: Provided guidance to several rising stars in Nashville.
- Ranch Owner & Businessman: After his divorce, Brandon shifted careers and began managing ranches and a livestock auction business in Montana, reportedly stepping away from entertainment altogether.
Despite the controversies later in his career, Brandon’s role as a manager contributed to the commercial success of many artists and live events.
Brandon Blackstock Relationship with Kelly Clarkson
Brandon met Kelly Clarkson in 2006, but their relationship didn’t begin until they reconnected in 2012. The couple married on October 20, 2013, at a private ceremony in Tennessee. Together, they had two children:
- River Rose Blackstock (born 2014)
- Remington Alexander Blackstock (born 2016)
Brandon also has two children, Savannah and Seth, from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth.
Divorce and Legal Disputes
In June 2020, Kelly filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Their split became highly publicized due to custody issues, financial disputes, and Brandon’s alleged mismanagement of funds while serving as Kelly’s manager.
In 2023, a court ruled that Brandon had improperly charged Kelly large commissions and ordered him to repay over $2.6 million. Additionally, he was granted temporary use of the Montana ranch property during the settlement but later vacated it after the divorce was finalized.
Life After Divorce
Post-divorce, Brandon left the entertainment business and settled in Montana, where he now operates ranching businesses, including Valley View Rodeo and Headwater Livestock Auction. This career pivot marked a significant shift from the high-profile celebrity lifestyle he once led.
Brandon Blackstock’s Legacy
While Brandon’s reputation became clouded during the divorce, he remains an important figure in the country music scene due to his prior management work. His career trajectory from the son of an entertainment mogul to a rural entrepreneur, demonstrates a complex journey of fame, family, and personal reinvention.
Brandon Blackstock Cause of Death
Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of Kelly Clarkson, died on August 7, 2025, at the age of 48. The cause of death was cancer, after a private battle extending more than three years. According to his family’s statement, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
A source described Kelly Clarkson as being “devastated” not just for herself but especially for their children, River (11) and Remington (9), as they begin to process their father’s death.
Despite a legally and emotionally fraught divorce, Clarkson remained protective of Brandon for the sake of their children, ensuring he remained a positive presence in their lives.
In an Instagram post just before his death, Clarkson announced she’d postponed her Las Vegas residency citing the severity of his illness and her need to “be fully present for them” referring to their kids.
Brandon Blackstock Net Worth
Category | Details |
Estimated Net Worth | $10 million – $12 million |
Primary Income Source | Talent Management, TV Production |
Other Ventures | Ranching, Livestock Business (Montana) |
Post-Divorce Settlements | Paid ~$2.6 million to Kelly Clarkson |
Assets | Montana ranch (formerly), business holdings |
Brandon Blackstock Social Media
Note: Brandon Blackstock is known to keep a low public profile, especially post-divorce, and does not actively use social media under verified accounts.
Platform | Status | Username/Link |
Not Public / Inactive | N/A | |
Not Public | N/A | |
Private / Inactive | N/A | |
Not Confirmed | N/A |
🔒 He maintains a private lifestyle with minimal online presence.
Brandon Blackstock Physical Appearance
Feature | Description |
Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
Weight | ~75 kg (165 lbs) |
Eye Color | Hazel |
Hair Color | Brown |
Build | Average |
Distinctive Features | Often seen with casual attire; rustic look post-Montana move |
Interesting Facts About Brandon Blackstock
- Son of a Famous Manager: His father, Narvel Blackstock, is a well-known music manager who handled stars like Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, and Kelly Clarkson.
- Step-Son of Reba McEntire: When his father married Reba, Brandon became her step-son, giving him early exposure to the music and entertainment world.
- Managed Kelly Clarkson: Before marrying Kelly Clarkson, Brandon was also her manager — a rare personal-professional relationship that later became complex.
- Owns a Ranch in Montana: Brandon turned to a quiet life post-divorce, focusing on ranching and a simpler rural lifestyle in Montana.
- Divorce Spotlight: His high-profile divorce with Kelly Clarkson led to legal battles over custody and property, grabbing massive media attention.
- Stays Away from the Limelight: Despite ties to celebrities, Brandon prefers staying out of the spotlight and maintaining a private life.
- Blake Shelton’s Manager: Brandon also managed country star Blake Shelton, further cementing his reputation in the country music scene.
- Has Four Children: Two kids with Kelly Clarkson and two from a previous marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Brandon Blackstock?
Brandon Blackstock is an American talent manager and TV producer, known for managing Blake Shelton and being the ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson.
Q2. What is Brandon Blackstock’s profession?
He is a professional talent manager and is also involved in television production.
Q3. Was Brandon married to Kelly Clarkson?
Yes, he was married to Kelly Clarkson from 2013 to 2021.
Q4. How many children does he have?
He has four children – two from a previous marriage and two with Kelly Clarkson.
Q5. Does Brandon Blackstock still manage artists?
As of recent reports, he has stepped back from talent management and now lives a quieter life in Montana.
Q6. Is Brandon Blackstock active on social media?
No, he keeps a very low profile and doesn’t maintain any active or public social media accounts.
Q7. What happened in his divorce from Kelly Clarkson?
The divorce involved disputes over spousal support, property (including a Montana ranch), and custody, which became highly publicized.
Q8. Where is Brandon Blackstock now?
He is reportedly living in Montana, running a ranch and living a quieter, more rural life.
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