Brandon Blackstock: A Life of Music, Management, and Family
Brandon Blackstock, born on December 16, 1976 in Fort Worth, Texas, was a respected talent manager and music industry figure whose career spanned more than two decades. Coming from a family with deep roots in entertainment—his father, Narvel Blackstock, was a well-known manager and founder of Starstruck Entertainment, and for a period, his stepmother was country legend Reba McEntire—Brandon seemed destined to work behind the scenes of show business.
He made his mark managing some of country music’s biggest names, most notably Blake Shelton, and was involved in producing television specials such as Blake Shelton Live: It’s All About Tonight in 2010. His ability to navigate the complex world of artist management earned him a reputation for professionalism and discretion. Beyond music, Brandon also worked in television production, serving as an executive producer for The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019, further showcasing his versatility.
Brandon’s personal and professional worlds intersected when he met Kelly Clarkson in 2006. Their friendship developed into romance years later, leading to an engagement in 2012 and marriage in October 2013. During their marriage, Brandon managed aspects of Kelly’s career and supported her ventures while embracing fatherhood. The couple welcomed two children together: River Rose, born in 2014, and Remington Alexander, born in 2016. Brandon was also a devoted father to two children from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth—Savannah and Seth.
Despite the early promise of their relationship, the marriage faced challenges. In 2020, Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The legal proceedings became highly publicized, involving disputes over custody and financial arrangements, and were finalized in 2022. Even through personal upheaval, Brandon remained committed to his role as a father and continued his work in entertainment.
In the later years of his life, Brandon confronted a private battle with melanoma, a form of skin cancer. For more than three years, he fought the disease with resilience, choosing to keep much of his struggle away from public attention. His health became a quiet but defining chapter in his life, one marked by courage and determination.
On August 7, 2025, Brandon Blackstock passed away at the age of 48, surrounded by loved ones. His death marked the end of a life deeply intertwined with music, television, and family. Those who knew him remember not only his skill as a manager but also his dedication as a father and his unwavering loyalty to the artists he represented.
Brandon’s legacy lives on in the careers he helped shape, the shows he brought to audiences, and the family he cherished. While his time was cut short, his contributions to the entertainment world and the memories he leaves behind will be remembered for years to come.