Brandon Blackstock is being remembered by those who knew him best.
After the talent manager—who finalized his divorce from Kelly Clarkson in 2022 after 10 years of marriage—died following a three-year battle with cancer, his daughter Savannah Blackstock Lee spoke out to give insight into his final months, noting that Brandon became more religious toward the end of his life.
“Over the past 6 months my dad gifted me a new avenue of our relationship, and that was a relationship centered in Jesus,” she wrote on Instagram Aug. 19. “He always loved the Lord, but 6 months ago he sought the Lord. He was hungry for the word and we did it together.”
She continued, “He’s gifted me more than I could’ve asked for and deserved throughout my life, but 12 days ago he blessed me the most valuable gift I could’ve asked for. The gift of knowing where he is today, in Heaven with our Savior.”
Savannah—whose mom is Brandon’s first wife Melissa Ashworth—went on to share some of her favorite memories with her father throughout her life.
“My daddy never fell short of making my dreams come true,” the 23-year-old shared. “No matter how high or how far, he made a way. Not only did he make my dreams come true, he chased them with me. Worldwide he was there, my biggest cheerleader. He is my best friend, my voice of reason, and my favorite phone call every day.”
And despite her grief, Savannah feels some peace because of his faith.
“I lost a piece of my heart and my favorite Cowboy, but Heaven gained an angel,” she added. “I’m so thankful for the time I did have and I can’t wait for eternity. I love you daddy and I will miss you indefinitely. Enjoy your ranch up there, God designed it with your heart’s desires in mind.”
After Brandon’s rep confirmed his death at age 48—saying “he passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family”—many in his inner circle took a moment to share their heartfelt tributes.
Brandon’s former stepmother Reba McEntire—who was married to his father Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015—posted an emotional remembrance of her “stepson/oldest son.”
“His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence,” Reba shared in an Aug. 12 Instagram post. “There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”
Reba and Narvel’s son and Brandon’s half-brother, race car driver Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock, paid his respects, posting, “Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family—funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed. He taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever.”
Kelly—who shared childrenRiver Rose, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 8, with Brandon—shared one day before his death that she would be canceling her upcoming Las Vegas performance dates due to Brandon’s illness.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” the American Idol alum wrote on Instagram Aug. 6. “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.”
Brandon was also dad to son Seth Blackstock with ex-wife Melissa, and became a grandfather in 2022 when Savannah gave birth to son Luke.
For a look back at Brandon’s life, keep reading.
2012
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2015
2016
2016
2016
2017
2017
2018
2018
2018
2018
2019
2020
2020
