BUTTE, MT — New information has surfaced surrounding the tragic passing of Brandon Blackstock, the former music manager and ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, who died on August 7 at the age of 48 following a private battle with melanoma.
According to his death certificate, seizures were listed as “significant conditions contributing to death but not resulting in the underlying cause,” which was determined to be melanoma. The Silver Bow County Coroner confirmed that Blackstock passed away peacefully at his home in Butte, Montana, under hospice care and surrounded by loved ones. The manner of death was classified as natural causes.
Blackstock is survived by his four children — River Rose, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 9, whom he shared with Clarkson, as well as Savannah Blackstock, 23, and Seth Blackstock, 18, from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth.
Life After Divorce and a New Chapter in Montana
While much of the public remembers Blackstock for his high-profile marriage and subsequent divorce from Clarkson, his official obituary painted a very different picture of his final years. Notably, Clarkson was not mentioned in the tribute. Instead, it highlighted his deep connection to his post-divorce partner, Brittney Marie Jones, who was described as his “beautiful and loving partner in life and business.”
The two reportedly built a quiet life together in Montana, where they operated Headwaters Livestock Auction and launched Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman — a project described as part of Blackstock’s enduring legacy.
A Tumultuous Divorce Battle
Blackstock and Clarkson’s marriage ended in 2020 after nearly seven years. The split quickly escalated into a bitter legal battle over property, custody, and finances. One of the most contentious issues was the couple’s Montana ranch. Clarkson was ultimately awarded ownership but agreed to give Blackstock a 5% stake.
The disputes didn’t end there. In 2023, Clarkson sued Blackstock, claiming he acted as her manager without proper licensing and overcharged her on business deals. The case concluded with Blackstock ordered to pay Clarkson $2.6 million.
From Music to Ranch Life
Before retreating to Montana, Blackstock was a well-known figure in the country music world, managing artists such as Blake Shelton. Jones, who became his life partner, had once worked closely with both him and Clarkson. Records indicate she was Clarkson’s production assistant from 2016 to 2018 before transitioning to an executive assistant role for Blackstock in 2018.
By mid-2020 — the same month Clarkson filed for divorce — Jones was employed at Blackstock’s cattle company in Montana, marking the beginning of their shared chapter away from the music industry spotlight.
Remembering Brandon Blackstock
Blackstock’s obituary emphasized his passion for the cowboy lifestyle, his dedication to family, and his work in the ranching community. Friends and loved ones remembered him as a man who embraced the rugged beauty of Montana and poured his energy into building a legacy far removed from the entertainment world.
Funeral arrangements have not been publicly disclosed, and the family has requested privacy as they grieve.