Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and the former husband of Kelly Clarkson, died on August 7, 2025, at the age of 48.
A family representative confirmed the news to PEOPLE, stating, “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.”
He was the son of Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter, and later, through his father’s marriage to Reba McEntire, became her stepson. Brandon was also a devoted father to four children — Savannah, Seth, River, and Remington — from his two marriages.
On August 6, Clarkson revealed for the first time that Blackstock had been ill, explaining that the singer was postponing her Las Vegas residency to be with their children, River, 11, and Remington, 9. “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,” said the first American Idol winner, expressing gratitude to fans for their “grace, kindness and understanding.”
In 2022, his eldest daughter, Savannah, gave birth to her son, Lake, with her boyfriend, Quentin Lee, making Brandon a grandfather.
Here’s what we know about Brandon Blackstock’s parents and family in detail.
His Parents Got Married in 1973
Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter tied the knot in March 1973, when Narvel was just beginning his career in the music industry. Later that year, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Shawna Rene.
The couple remained together for 15 years before divorcing in 1988.
They Had Three Kids
Elisa and Narvel welcomed their first child, Shawna Rene, in 1973, followed by their son, Brandon Blackstock, in 1976. Their youngest, Chassidy Celeste, arrived in 1978.
Both daughters have long been settled in their own lives — Chassidy has been married to Scott Standefer since 2000, while Shawna is married to Jason Slade Meyers.
Over the years, the family has grown to include several grandchildren, with four coming from Brandon’s two marriages.
His Dad, Narvel, Later Married Reba McEntire
After ending his marriage to Elisa, Narvel wed country music star Reba McEntire on June 3, 1989. In February 1990, they welcomed their only child together, Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock.
Narvel, born on August 31, 1956, in Tarrant County, Texas, is a musician and co-founder of the production company, Starstruck Entertainment, with his second wife, McEntire. Over the years, the company has managed major names in the industry, including Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, and more.
However, the former couple divorced in 2015 after 26 years together, but were said to have remained on good terms.
In April 2024, Narvel married for the third time, tying the knot with Nashville-based realtor Laura Putty Stroud, a former friend of McEntire. Reports say the pair began dating shortly after Narvel’s split from the country legend.
Elisa Gayle Ritter Has Also Since Remarried
Brandon’s mother, Elisa, found love again with Daniel Gilbert, marrying him in August 1989, less than a year after her split from Narvel.
The two have been together ever since, often marking birthdays and anniversaries with posts on social media.
In August 2022, celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary, Daniel shared several photos of the pair on Facebook and wrote, “33 years!!! Wow!! As pretty as ever. We’ve traveled great roads and gathered wonderful memories. I remember the day like it was yesterday. Happy Anniversary Elisa Gilbert. It is a pleasure to share your passions, a joy to know your love, and exciting to be a part of your future. You live under an open heaven and to be close to you has proven to be a blessing. I know you know, but I love to say, I love you!”
Elisa and Daniel do not have children together.
