Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has sadly passed away.
A rep for the family confirmed the news on Aug. 7, sharing: “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.”
Blackstock’s diagnosis was never made public before his death, though Clarkson revealed just one day earlier that he had been “ill” as she postponed her Las Vegas residency.
“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 on Instagram. “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, the singer-songwriter has “been devastated” for their two children, River, 11, and Remington, 9.
“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” the source said. “Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids.”
Clarkson and Blackstock were married for seven years before separating in June 2020, finalizing their divorce in 2022 after what she has called an incredibly painful split.
“The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful and something she felt terrible about,” the source added. “But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.”
Even during the most difficult moments in their co-parenting journey, Clarkson made her children’s feelings her top priority.
In a 2023 appearance on Angie Martinez's IRL podcast, she shared: "I ask my kids every night when we're snuggling and I put them to bed, 'Are you happy? And if you're not, what could make you happier?'
"Especially the past two years ... it kills me [but] I want them to be honest so I don't ever say, 'Oh God, don't tell me that,' but a lot of times it would be like, 'I'm just really sad. I wish Mommy and Daddy were in the same house.' They're really honest about it. I'm raising that kind of individual."
She continued: "I just sit there and I'm like, 'I get it. I'm from a divorced family as well. I get it. That sucks. But we're going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us.'"
The Stronger singer has previously been open about the challenges of sharing parenting duties after divorce.
“It’s tough,” she said on her talk show in 2021. “I know with me and Brandon, it’s just a difficult thing because we’re in different places, and it’s like, we both agree on the main things, but it’s a hard thing when you’re not together all the time, for me personally. As long as you make sure it’s about the children and their best interests, then we’re both on board.”
In January 2024, Clarkson reflected on the emotional weight of her divorce in an interview with PEOPLE, saying: “The level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving is extraordinarily hard. You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming,” referring to her 2023 album Chemistry.
Earlier this year, multiple sources told PEOPLE that Clarkson missed several episodes of The Kelly Clarkson Show largely due to Blackstock’s illness.
The postponement of her Vegas shows in August was not the first time her schedule had been disrupted — months earlier, she had to cancel performances after intense rehearsals caused vocal strain.
At the time, she explained: “The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice. I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage.”
Our thoughts are with Blackstock's loved ones at this time.