Melissa Ashworth Wells, Brandon Blackstock’s first wife, has publicly honored her late ex-husband following his August 7 death from melanoma at age 48. Her tribute joins those from family members including Reba McEntire and comes alongside the release of an emotional obituary celebrating Blackstock’s legacy in the music industry and his devotion to their four children.
Brandon Blackstock, best known as Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and a prominent music industry talent manager, died at his Montana home after a three-year battle with melanoma. His death certificate confirmed natural causes related to the cancer diagnosis. Blackstock had managed major country and pop artists during his Nashville career before relocating to Montana to pursue a ranch lifestyle.
Melissa Ashworth Wells, who was married to Blackstock from 1999 to 2012, broke her silence through undisclosed private or public channels according to entertainment news reports. Though the exact nature of her tribute wasn’t detailed in the Fox News article, her acknowledgment comes as part of a wave of family remembrances. The couple shared two children during their marriage: Savannah and Seth Blackstock.
Blackstock’s recently published obituary highlighted his devotion to all four of his children – including River Rose and Remington Alexander from his subsequent marriage to Kelly Clarkson. The tribute emphasized his role as a ‘devoted father’ who considered his children ‘his greatest love and legacy.’ It notably omitted any mention of Clarkson herself while acknowledging his partner Brittney Marie Jones.
Beyond family matters, the obituary memorialized Blackstock’s significant music industry impact, noting he ‘played important roles in shaping the careers of many larger-than-life celebrities.’ After decades in Nashville, he embraced Montana ranch life where he co-founded Headwaters Livestock Auction and The Valley View Rodeo. Friends remembered his embodiment of the ‘cowboy way of life’ through his love of rodeo, hunting, and outdoor work.
The family has requested privacy during their mourning period. Clarkson, though not mentioned in the obituary, has reportedly prioritized shielding their children from media attention while supporting them through grief. Sources indicate she maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship with Blackstock despite their contentious 2020 divorce and legal battles over financial matters.
Looking ahead, Blackstock’s Montana business ventures including the Valley View Rodeo will continue as part of his legacy. A private family service is expected in Montana, though no details have been released. Industry colleagues anticipate further tributes from artists he mentored during his management career at Starstruck Entertainment.