Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, sadly died following a private three-year health battle. He was 48.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” read a statement from his management company, Starstruck, on August 7, 2025.
“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”
Blackstock’s diagnosis had not been made public until shortly before his passing. Just one day earlier, Clarkson revealed in an Instagram post that her children’s father had been “ill” and that she would be postponing her Las Vegas residency to focus on River, 11, and Remington, nine.
“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 wrote. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
According to a source who spoke to PEOPLE, Clarkson “has been devastated for the kids” and remained protective of Blackstock throughout his illness.
“Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well,” the source explained.
“The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful and something she felt terrible about. But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.”
Blackstock’s death has also shone a spotlight on melanoma, the aggressive form of skin cancer he battled.
Often called the most dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma can metastasize rapidly to other organs via the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Melanoma can appear as a new or changing mole, often with irregular borders, varied colors, or a diameter greater than 6 mm.
While it affects people of all skin tones, lighter skin with less melanin is more vulnerable, especially in individuals with blond or red hair, blue or green eyes, or a tendency to burn easily.
Risk increases with age, sun exposure, and a history of severe sunburns, though it remains one of the most common cancers in people under 30, particularly young women.
Experts stress that prevention is crucial: daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can significantly reduce risk. Annual skin checks and self-exams can also help detect melanoma early.
In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimated 104,960 new melanoma diagnoses in the U.S., with around 8,430 deaths expected.
Dermatologist Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil explained to the New York Post: “The earlier we catch it, the better. At early stages, it can often be cured with just a simple excision and has a wonderful prognosis.”
However, once it spreads, survival rates drop sharply — from 99% for localized cases to about 35% if it reaches distant organs.