VERY, VERY SAD NEWS: Just Now — August 7, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas — Alan Jackson Tearfully Confirms the Heartbreaking Death of Brandon Blackstock at Age 48
In a moment that has sent shockwaves through both the country music world and beyond, Alan Jackson has confirmed the tragic passing of Brandon Blackstock, the respected music manager and former husband of Kelly Clarkson, at the age of 48.
Speaking from Fort Worth, Texas, Jackson appeared visibly shaken, pausing several times as he tried to find the words. “It’s hard to talk about,” he said softly, his voice breaking. “Brandon was more than just a manager in this business — he was family to many of us.”
Brandon, the son of Narvel Blackstock and stepson to Reba McEntire, had spent years behind the scenes of some of country music’s biggest careers, including Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, and Clarkson herself. He was known for his sharp instinct, quiet professionalism, and deep loyalty to the artists he represented.
Jackson, who worked with Blackstock intermittently over the past two decades, referred to him not just as a colleague but as someone with “a calm kind of presence — someone you could trust, who never asked for credit, but always gave his heart.”
While the exact cause of death has not been made public, sources close to the family say it was sudden and unexpected.
“He had his battles, like all of us,” Alan added, fighting tears. “But he loved his kids, and he loved this music. And now the road feels a little quieter without him.”
Brandon is survived by his children and extended family, including ex-wife Kelly Clarkson, with whom he shared two young children. Though their divorce was highly publicized, both had reportedly been working toward a peaceful co-parenting relationship in recent years.
Reba McEntire, who helped raise Brandon and remained close with him after her divorce from Narvel, has not yet issued a public statement — but fans across the world are already flooding her social media with messages of love and support.
Jackson concluded his statement with a simple but devastating truth:
“We never know when the last phone call will come. I just hope he knew how much we all cared.”
Fans across the country are lighting candles, playing the songs Brandon helped bring into the world, and holding their loved ones a little closer today.
In an industry often built on noise, Brandon Blackstock worked quietly — and left behind a legacy far louder than most ever realize.
May he rest in peace.