Kelly Clarkson Excluded from Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock's Obituary... 'New Lover and Business Partner Revealed'

American pop star Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock passed away on August 7 at the age of 48 after a 3-year battle with cancer. However, his obituary did not mention his ex-wife Clarkson, instead revealing his new relationship for the first time, which has become a topic of discussion.

According to Blackstock's obituary, he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. The obituary humorously described his personality, stating, 'Knowing Brandon was loving Brandon. He was an incredibly handsome man... and if you didn’t notice that... he was always happy to remind you.'

Revelation of Business Partnership with New Lover Britney Marie Jones

The most notable part of this obituary is the revelation that Blackstock had been in a relationship with a new partner after separating from Clarkson in 2020. The obituary stated, 'Brandon worked tirelessly to build a life with his beautiful and loving life and business partner, Britney Marie Jones, establishing companies and creating Headwaters Livestock Auction and the Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana, which will remain as his legacy.'

This shows that Blackstock found new love after his divorce from Clarkson and established a business partnership beyond just a romantic relationship. The fact that he operated in the livestock and rodeo business in Montana indicates that he started a second life in a new field after leaving the music industry.

Complex Family Relationships Revealed in the Obituary

The obituary mentioned Blackstock's two children with Clarkson, River Rose and Remington, but Clarkson herself was not mentioned at all. In contrast, older children from his first marriage, Savannah and Seth, along with their mother Melissa Ashworth, were mentioned.

Interestingly, Blackstock's former stepmother, Reba McEntire, was specifically mentioned in the obituary. McEntire was married to Blackstock's father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015, and Narvel also served as McEntire's manager. They have a son, Shelby, together.

Rocky Divorce Process with Clarkson

Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock in June 2020, leading to a fierce legal battle over the Montana ranch. Ultimately, Clarkson retained ownership of the ranch but agreed to give Blackstock a 5% stake.

Additionally, Clarkson filed a lawsuit claiming that Blackstock illegally facilitated business deals as her talent manager. This case concluded in 2023 with a ruling that Blackstock must pay Clarkson $2.6 million.

Clarkson's Quiet Response and Family-First Choice

Clarkson has not yet made an official statement regarding her ex-husband's death. However, during the past year, as Blackstock's health deteriorated, she took a step back from hosting 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' and other work commitments.

The day before Blackstock passed away, Clarkson publicly disclosed his illness and announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency performance. In an Instagram post at the time, she stated, 'I usually keep my personal life private, but for the past year, the children's father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.'

Transition from Music Industry to Livestock Business

Blackstock had long been active in the music industry as a talent manager, but after his divorce from Clarkson, he moved to Montana to start a completely different life. Establishing Headwaters Livestock Auction and Valley View Rodeo with his new partner Britney Marie Jones showcases his new challenges in the later part of his life.

This change reflects his choice to pursue a life closer to nature, leaving behind the glamour of Hollywood and the music industry. Particularly, rodeo and livestock are core parts of Western American culture, suggesting that this was the lifestyle Blackstock truly desired.

Complex Family Relationships and Legacy

Blackstock's death has once again highlighted the complex family relationships. The structure of the extended family, including his two children with Clarkson, children from his first marriage, and his former stepmother Reba McEntire, illustrates the complicated family forms in modern American society.

Notably, the absence of Clarkson's mention in the obituary indirectly shows how difficult the divorce process was between the two. However, Clarkson's adjustment of her work schedule for the sake of the children during Blackstock's illness demonstrates a sense of responsibility towards family that transcends personal feelings.

The Reality and Lessons of Celebrity Divorces

The case of Blackstock and Clarkson illustrates the complex issues faced by celebrity couples. When business and personal relationships intertwine, divorce leads to complicated legal and financial issues beyond mere emotional separation.

However, the fact that Blackstock started a second life with a new partner and Clarkson continues to advance her career shows that it is possible to find one's path even in difficult situations. Particularly, both of them prioritizing the welfare of their children reflects their maturity as parents.

Changes in Music Industry Management

Blackstock's death also signifies the end of an era in the talent management field of the music industry. He followed in the footsteps of his father Narvel Blackstock in the management industry and worked with several artists, including Clarkson.

His transition to the livestock business serves as an example of seeking success in a new field, moving away from traditional music industry management, and could present various possibilities for those in the entertainment industry.