How did Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband die? Heartbreaking final weeks with singer by his side

Kelly Clarkson is said to be devastated after spending ‘exhausting’ weeks by the side of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock before he died on Thursday, August 7 at age 48.

The singer and her children, who she shares with Brandon, are reported to be so sad after the death of Brandon after his battle with melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Brandon had been privately fighting the serious form of skin cancer for three years. The NHS states melanoma is "a type of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body".

Brandon had never spoken publicly about his diagnosis, but is understood to have been fighting the cancer since 2022. It comes after Brandon Blackstock's career U-turn after Kelly Clarkson divorce was revealed.

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Kelly had supported ex-husband Brandon after finding out he was sick, despite the couple splitting in 2022 after seven years of marriage.

Despite a ‘difficult’ divorce in 2022 Brandon was still the man ‘Kelly loved’ – and the father of her children. Kelly had been working hard, looking after the kids – as well as looking after Brandon in his final days.

Now the singer and songwriter is devastated, reports say, for her loss and for her children’s. Earlier this year it ‘became clear’ that 48-year-old Brandon was ‘not doing well’. A source told Page Six: “It’s been exhausting and so sad. Kelly has been working so hard, as well as looking after Brandon. Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father.”

Singer Kelly was beside Brandon in his final weeks and days as she cancelled her Las Vegas residency and had to miss episodes of her famous talk show to support her family.

In an Instagram statement before Brandon's death was announced, Kelly said: "Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas.

"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.

"I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding."

Brandon had been Kelly’s former manager, the pair then got married in 2013 in Tennessee. The couple had a daughter, River in 2014, now aged 11 and welcomed a son in 2016, Remington, now nine-years-old.

His death was announced yesterday. A representative for the family told PEOPLE in a statement that Brandon had been diagnosed with cancer over three years ago. They said in a statement: "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. 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."

Kelly and Brandon had a complex relationship, however Kelly admitted that she still cared for him and the couple had remained amicable for the sake of the children.

Two years ago in 2023, speaking on the Angie Martinez IRL podcast, Kelly said: "My kids ask me all the time, ‘So you don’t love him anymore? No, I don’t know if that goes away."

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.