WASHINGTON — Music manager Brandon Blackstock has died at age 48 following a years-long battle with cancer, according to a representative. 

Blackstone was the former husband of Kelly Clarkson and stepson of Reba McEntire. 

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a rep for the family said in a statement to multiple media outlets on Thursday. “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 news comes just a day after Clarkson postponed upcoming dates of her Las Vegas residency, revealing for the first time publicly that Blackstock had been ill. 

“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,” Clarkson wrote on social media Wednesday. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”

Clarkson was married to music manager Blackstock from 2013 until they split in 2020. They were officially divorced in 2022. While married, the couple had two children: River Rose, 10, and Remington Alexander, 8. Blackstock also has two children from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth: Savannah and Seth. Blackstock became a grandfather in 2022, when Savannah gave birth to a son named Lake.

Blackstock and Clarkson met at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards back in 2006. They started dating in 2012, after reconnecting at a Super Bowl, and married in October 2013.

Earlier this year, the “The Kelly Clarkson Show” host suddenly disappeared and missed 10 tapings of her show. She was replaced with celebrity guests for the time she was out, sparking questions and concerns about what was going on.

At that time, she said she was fine herself, but was dealing with a “sudden family emergency.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.