Brandon Blackstock, former husband of Kelly Clarkson and father of their two children, has died at age 48 following a battle with cancer, prompting the singer to postpone part of her Las Vegas residency to focus on family responsibilities.

At a Glance

• Brandon Blackstock passed away on August 7 after battling cancer
• Kelly Clarkson postponed her August Las Vegas shows on August 6
• The postponement cited a family emergency involving Blackstock
• Clarkson emphasized being present for their two children
• Fan reactions included both support and logistical concerns

Residency Interrupted

Kelly Clarkson announced on August 6, 2025, that she was postponing the remaining August performances of her Las Vegas residency due to a family emergency. The decision came one month into her 18-show engagement at Caesars Palace, which began on July 4. The singer shared via social media that the situation required her to be with her two children during a difficult time for their family. The specific nature of the emergency was later confirmed as the death of her former spouse, Brandon Blackstock.

Watch now: Kelly Clarkson Postpones Residency

The residency marked a key professional milestone for Clarkson, and the sudden shift in schedule introduced challenges for venue management, production teams, and ticket holders. Event organizers have since stated that efforts are underway to address rescheduling logistics and customer concerns.

Blackstock’s Death Confirmed

Brandon Blackstock died on August 7, one day after Clarkson’s public statement. The two were married from 2013 to 2020 and shared joint custody of their children following a divorce finalized in 2022. Legal proceedings during the separation included financial settlements and custody arrangements. Despite the end of their marriage, Clarkson’s decision to remain with their children during Blackstock’s illness highlighted a focus on family coordination during a critical time.

The timeline of events suggests that the singer made the scheduling decision with knowledge of Blackstock’s condition, prioritizing her role as a parent in the final days of his life.

Public and Industry Reactions

Clarkson’s announcement received mixed public responses. Some fans expressed frustration about financial costs related to travel and accommodations. Others voiced support for her decision to prioritize family. Industry observers noted that postponements of major entertainment residencies are typically rare and occur only under significant circumstances.

The episode also brings attention to how public figures manage professional commitments alongside personal crises. Balancing responsibilities in such situations often draws scrutiny, yet also presents an opportunity to model responses rooted in caregiving and parental responsibility. Analysts noted that Clarkson’s communication helped set expectations and offered clarity about the nature of the interruption.

Sources

People
Billboard
Variety