Originally appeared on E! Online .

During their seven-year marriage, piece by piece, Brandon Blackstock gave Kelly Clarkson the stability she craved as a kid .

And though they ultimately split in 2020 — finalizing their divorce two years later — the couple remained dedicated to coparenting their kids River Rose, 11, and Remington "Remy" Alexander, 9, up until the talent manager's death .

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," a rep for his family, who also include kids Savannah and Seth from his first marriage, told NBC News Aug. 7. "Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family."

News of the 48-year-old's death came less than 24 hours after Clarkson post

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