The Montana landscape recently held a touching tribute. Close friends and family gathered to celebrate the life of Brandon Blackstock, who passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. It was a private event held in the place he loved most.
Sources close to the family shared details of the intimate gathering. Brandon’s partner, Brittney Marie Jones, joined his family and dearest friends. They spent several days at his home, sharing cherished memories and reflecting on his deep impact. While tears certainly fell, much laughter also filled the air. Everyone fondly recalled Brandon’s jokes and unique sense of humor.
It was truly special for everyone to walk the trails Brandon loved so much in Montana. Gathering at his home brought comfort as they remembered him. Singer Shane Tarleton was among those present. He shared an image on social media showing people sitting around a campfire at sunset. “Brandon would have truly loved this evening,” Tarleton wrote. “So many of his favorite people were right in his backyard.”
Nashville stylist Amanda Craig, another friend, also posted on social media. She shared a photo of herself and her husband smiling with green hills in the background. “We now understand why you loved it here so much,” Craig wrote. “Celebrating your amazing life this weekend felt like a true gift. We love you, BB!”
Blackstock’s passing was confirmed on August 7. He was 48 years old and had been fighting malignant melanoma. A family representative released a statement. “It’s with deep sadness that we share the news of Brandon Blackstock’s passing,” the statement read. “Brandon fought bravely against cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.” The family thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers. They also asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.
Blackstock is survived by his parents, siblings, four children, and grandchildren. He shared daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, with his first wife, Melissa Ashworth. His children with ex-wife Kelly Clarkson are River Rose, 11, and Remington, 9.
Blackstock, who once managed Kelly Clarkson, bought a $1.8 million home in Butte, Montana. This was just over a month after his divorce from Clarkson was finalized in 2022. The couple began dating in 2012. They married a little over a year later, in October 2013. He moved to the Western state in his final years to work as a rancher. An insider noted, “Brandon lived a very quiet life in Montana. That’s how he preferred it.” They added, “He worked in entertainment before, but that wasn’t really his style. Montana felt like home to him.”
While Kelly Clarkson wasn’t directly caring for Brandon during his illness, she made sure their children spent time with him. This was a top priority for the singer. She often traveled with their children to be by his side.
On August 6, Kelly Clarkson rescheduled her Las Vegas residency. This happened as Blackstock’s health took a turn for the worse. Clarkson, 43, announced the change on social media. “Sadly, I need to postpone the remaining August dates for my Las Vegas residency,” she wrote. “I usually keep my private life to myself. But my children’s father has been ill this past year. Right now, I need to be fully there for them.”