Brandon Blackstock has recently garnered significant media attention following the revelation made by his ex-wife Kelly Clarkson about his serious health struggles. Due to his ongoing health issues, Clarkson made the difficult decision to postpone her Las Vegas performances, and tragically, he passed away shortly thereafter after a prolonged fight against cancer. This unfortunate turn of events has sparked widespread curiosity among fans regarding Brandon’s family background and personal relationships. Many are particularly interested in learning about his parents and whether he has any familial ties to the renowned country music artist Reba McEntire.
In the following sections, Hollywood Life provides a comprehensive overview of Brandon Blackstock’s family lineage and the details surrounding his previous marriages.
Discover the Ex-Wives of Brandon Blackstock
Brandon Blackstock’s marital history includes two significant relationships. His first marriage was with Melissa Ashworth, which lasted from 2001 until their separation in 2012. It was during this period that he began a romantic relationship with Kelly Clarkson. Following their relationship, Brandon married Kelly in 2013, but they ultimately parted ways in 2020, with their divorce being finalized in 2022.
Through his previous marriages, Brandon became a father. He shares two children, Savannah and Seth, with Melissa, and has two additional children, River and Remington, with Kelly. This family dynamic has drawn interest, especially regarding how these relationships have shaped his life.
Is Brandon Blackstock Connected to Reba McEntire?
While Brandon Blackstock is not Reba McEntire‘s biological son, he did become her step-son when she married his father, Narvel Blackstock. Additionally, Brandon has a half-brother named Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock, who is a race car driver and is Reba’s biological son from her prior marriage to Narvel, further intertwining their family connections within the entertainment industry.
Unveiling the Identities of Brandon Blackstock’s Parents
The parents of Brandon Blackstock are Elisa Gayle Ritter and Narvel Blackstock. Their marriage lasted from 1973 until their divorce in 1988. Brandon was born in 1976, marking a significant time in their lives before they ultimately separated.
Elisa is known to have had a career as a television producer, while Narvel has made his mark as a film producer. Together, they welcomed Brandon, who has grown to be a notable figure, twelve years before their divorce. Narvel is also the proud father of his other children, Shawna Rene Blackstock and Chassidy Celeste Blackstock, adding to the family’s prominence in the entertainment landscape.
What Specific Illness Did Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Face?
While Kelly Clarkson did not disclose the exact nature of the illness affecting Brandon, she mentioned that he had been dealing with it for over the “past year.” In an emotional announcement made in August 2025 on Instagram, Kelly expressed her regret for postponing her performances and emphasized that her main priority was to be there for her children during this challenging time.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” Kelly stated in her message. “While I usually keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been unwell, and at this moment, I need to fully focus on them. I sincerely apologize to everyone who purchased tickets for the shows, and I deeply appreciate your understanding, kindness, and support.”
Tragically, only one day after her announcement, Brandon passed away, and it was later confirmed by a family representative that he had been battling cancer.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brandon Blackstock,” the statement read, as reported by multiple sources. “Brandon courageously fought cancer for more than three years. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by his family. We are grateful for your thoughts and prayers and kindly ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time for the family.”
What Form of Cancer Affected Brandon Blackstock?
Brandon was diagnosed with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, according to reports from TMZ, which cited “sources with direct knowledge” concerning his medical condition.
