Brandon Blackstock’s daughter revealed that she was pregnant with her second child, just weeks before his death.
Yesterday, it was announced that Blackstock, who was married to Kelly Clarkson from 2013 to 2022, had died from cancer at the age of 48.
The talent manager had four children: Savannah and Seth with his ex-wife, Melissa Ashworth, from whom he split in 2012, and daughter River and son Remy with Clarkson, who were born in 2014 and 2016, respectively.
His eldest, Savannah, made Blackstock a grandfather when she welcomed her first baby, Lake, in 2022.
And just one month ago, the 23-year-old shared that her family with husband Quentin Lee was growing.
Taking to social media on July 5, the Florida-based realtor is believed to have written: ‘We’ve been keeping a couple sweet surprises’.
She added in her caption, as per People: ‘One little girl will be making her arrival at the beginning of January and another beautiful girl named Julianna who has already been one of the greatest blessings to our family.’
Acknowledging her faith, she also wrote: ‘He’s written a story we never could’ve imagined, and His kindness in this season has left us in awe.
‘He’s answered prayers we never even knew how to pray. This journey has been so special full of peace, excitement, and so much grace.
‘We’re growing again, and our hearts are so full. Thank you, Jesus.’
Following her father’s death, Savannah has made her profile private.
When announcing that Blackstock had died, a statement read: ‘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,’ the representative concluded.
While Clarkson is yet to comment publicly on the death of her former husband, it’s believed she is ‘devastated’, especially for her children.
‘When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,’ a source told People.
‘Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well.’
The American Idol champ had announced just hours earlier that she would be putting her Las Vegas residency on hold due to Blackstock’s poor health.
In a statement shared on social media, the Because of You hitmaker thanked fans for their ‘understanding’, explaining that she needed to ‘be fully present’ for her young kids, who are 11 and 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.’
Clarkson had filed for divorce from Blackstock in 2020, later opening up about the split and describing it as ‘extraordinarily hard’.
Having channelled her pain into her music, most notably her album Chemistry, she said in January 2024: ‘You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming.’
The Breakaway singer had primary custody of her children with Blackstock, who was also the former stepson of country musician Reba McEntire, having confessed that co-parenting wasn’t easy in a conversation with Khloe Kardashian on her talk show.
‘It’s tough … 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,’ she shared.
But irrespective of their expensive and messy divorce, Clarkson is believed to have helped look after Blackstock when he needed it, having abruptly taken time off from her talk show in February and March, with celebrity pals filling in for her.
‘It’s been exhausting and so sad,’ an insider told Page Six. ‘Kelly has been working so hard, as well as looking after Brandon.
‘Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father.’
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