Brandon Blackstock, a manager, producer and executive hailed for his impact in the entertainment industry, died on Thursday, Aug. 7 after a battle with cancer that he had kept under wraps for several years. He was 48.

Blackstock, the ex-husband of singer/American Idol star, Kelly Clarkson, was the former stepson of Reba McEntire, inasmuch as the country star was married to his father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015.

On Wednesday, Clarkson had posted a heartfelt statement, revealing her ex-husband’s illness.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a rep for the family tells PEOPLE 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 you

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