Before he was known as Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, the late Brandon Blackstock was married to Melissa Ashworth.
Blackstock died at age 48 in August 2025, following a private health battle. (Clarkson announced that her ex was “ill” hours before he died.)
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,” a rep for the family told Us Weekly. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
The late talent manager was known for his relationship with Clarkson (they were married from 2013 to 2022), but he had been married once before. Because Ashworth is not a public figure, most of their romance was kept out of the public eye.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Blackstock’s marriage to Ashworth:
Who Is Melissa Ashworth?
Ashworth is a secretary who was married to Blackstock for more than a decade before he moved on with Clarkson.
How Long Were Brandon Blackstock and Melissa Ashworth Married?
While it’s unclear when Blackstock and Ashworth met, the former couple were married from 2001 until 2012.
Do Brandon Blackstock and Melissa Ashworth Have Kids?
Blackstock and Ashworth welcomed two kids throughout their time together. Their daughter, Savannah, was born in June 2022. She is the mother to daughter Lake Lee, whom she welcomed in January 2022, making Blackstock and Ashworth grandparents. The former couple’s son, Seth, was born in November 2006.
Kelly Clarkson has been quietly dealing with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s illness for months — going public with the news in August 2025 after cancelling a series of shows. “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully […]
Savannah and Seth often appeared on red carpets with their father and Clarkson. Blackstock and Clarkson were also the parents to two kids, daughter River Rose (born in June 2014) and son Remy (born in 2016).
Did Melissa Ashworth Know Kelly Clarkson?
Ashworth spoke with Radar Online in June 2014, offering insight into her relationship with Blackstock and Clarkson.
“We have a wonderful relationship,” Ashworth said at the time. “I love Kelly and we get along great, and my husband and I hang out with them all the time.”
Months prior, during a separate interview with the same publication, Ashworth declared that she would never have anything negative to say about her ex-husband’s relationship with Clarkson.
“I adore Kelly and Brandon as a couple, so if I say anything it’s going to be positive,” she declared.
