Brandon Blackstock’s passing at 48 after a three-year battle with melanoma has left fans and family reflecting on his life — and his obituary has drawn attention for what it did and didn’t mention.
Notably absent from the tribute was his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, with whom he shared two children.
The announcement came on August 12, just days after Brandon’s death on August 7, and was released by Butte Funeral Home.
The obit celebrated his life, his children, and the relationships that shaped him, but left out any mention of the pop star he was once married to.
A Life Shared With Many
Brandon was father to four children: Remington, 11, and River, nine, with Kelly Clarkson, and Savannah, 23, and Seth, 18, with his first wife, Melissa Ashworth.
The obituary also listed grandchildren, grandparents, and stepparents — including former stepmother Reba McEntire.
It revealed that in his final years, Brandon had been in a relationship with Kelly’s former assistant, Brittney Marie Jones, quietly building a new life with her in Montana.
This fact surprised many fans, as it had not been publicly known.
Remembering His Journey With Kelly Clarkson
Brandon and Kelly met in 2006 but didn’t start dating until 2012, marrying the following year in a ceremony at Blackberry Farms in Tennessee.
Their marriage produced two children but ended after Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences.
Reflecting on their split during a 2023 podcast, Kelly said, “I wanted to make it beautiful.
I wanted to make it awesome… sometimes that just doesn’t happen.” Their post-divorce relationship included legal disputes over business deals, which were settled in May 2024.
Kelly Clarkson Steps Back Amid Loss
In the days leading up to the obituary, Kelly shared on Instagram that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency concerts to focus on her children during Brandon’s illness.
“I need to be fully present for them,” she wrote, asking for fans’ understanding.
The next day, a family representative confirmed Brandon’s passing and asked for privacy, noting that he “passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”
Life Beyond Past Marriages
Before marrying Kelly, Brandon was wed to Melissa Ashworth from 1999 until their 2012 divorce.
In his later years, the obituary revealed he found love again with Brittney Marie Jones and embraced a life in Montana.
Together, Brandon and Brittney were building businesses, including Headwaters Livestock Auction and Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman.
The obituary painted a picture of him returning to the mountains and living the cowboy lifestyle he always desired.
Connections and Controversy
The revelation that Brittney was once Kelly’s assistant added a layer of intrigue to the story.
LinkedIn profiles confirm her role as Brandon’s executive assistant as well as an assistant to Kelly, highlighting her involvement in both his professional and personal life.
Brandon and Brittney were previously married to others but had built a new chapter together in Montana.
While some details remain private, their partnership was described as loving and collaborative in both life and business.
Tributes Pour In From Family
Brandon’s first wife, Melissa, shared heartfelt memories on Instagram, celebrating his devotion as a father and grandfather.
“He loved hard and he fought hard,” she wrote, adding that his children and grandchildren are the best parts of his legacy.
Half-brother Shelby Blackstock, Reba McEntire’s son, also paid tribute, calling Brandon “an irreplaceable part of our family.”
Reba herself commented on Shelby’s post, expressing how much he will be missed.
Remembering Brandon’s Legacy
From his music industry career to his love of family and the Montana ranching life, Brandon Blackstock’s obituary and the subsequent tributes highlight a man whose life touched many.
While his passing has left a void for those who knew him, the stories and memories shared by family ensure his legacy will continue.