Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson who served as her manager during their seven-year marriage, has died of an unspecified cancer. He was 48.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” his family confirmed Thursday in a statement to The Times. “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.”

Blackstock, whose father Narvel Blackstock was Clarkson’s previous manager and was married to singer Reba McEntire for 16 years, began dating Clarkson in 2011. Brandon was previously married to Melissa Ashworth, the mother of two of his chil

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