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The official cause of death for Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, has been revealed.
Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis confirmed to People on Monday (August 11) that the talent manager passed away at his home in Montana as a result of melanoma, a form of skin cancer. He was 48.
"Brandon Blackstock passed away peacefully at his home in Butte, Montana on August 7th under hospice care surrounded by his family," Hollis said.
Blackstock and Clarkson were married for seven years before splitting in 2020. They share two children together, 11-year-old daughter River and 9-year-old son Remington, while he has two older children, 23-year-old daughter Savannah and 18-year-old son Seth, from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth. He also has close ties to the country music community as Reba McEntire was previously married to his father, Narvel Blackstock.
A representative for the family confirmed August 7 that Blackstock had passed away following a private battle with cancer.
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," the rep said in a statement. "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."
Clarkson, who announced she was postponing dates of her Studio Sessions Las Vegas residency hours before news broke of Blackstock's passing, is said to be "staying strong" for her children following their father's death.
"Kelly and Brandon had their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, he was the father of her children and she is absolutely heartbroken for them," a source told People. "Her kids are her entire world, and she's staying strong for their sake."