Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, was in a ‘loving’ relationship with her former production assistant Brittney Marie Jones at the time of his death, according to his recently published obituary. The tribute notably omits any mention of Clarkson despite their two children together, highlighting instead his partnership with Jones in both life and business ventures.
Blackstock died on August 7 at age 48 following a three-year battle with melanoma at his Montana home. His obituary, published by Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services in Butte, describes Jones as his ‘beautiful and loving partner in life and business.’ The couple had jointly established Headwaters Livestock Auction and The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana, ventures characterized as Blackstock’s legacy.
Jones previously worked as Clarkson’s full-time production assistant in Nashville from 2016 to 2018 before becoming Blackstock’s executive assistant at his family’s talent agency. According to her LinkedIn profile, she relocated to Los Angeles in 2018 specifically to support Clarkson’s daytime show schedule. In June 2020—the same month Clarkson filed for divorce—Jones transitioned to work at Blackstock’s Montana ranch.
The obituary acknowledges all four of Blackstock’s children: Savannah (23) and Seth (18) from his first marriage, and River Rose (11) and Remy Alexander (9) with Clarkson. It also mentions his parents, stepparents (including Reba McEntire), and extended family, but omits both Clarkson and his first wife Melissa Ashworth entirely.
This revelation comes amid Clarkson’s recent postponement of her Las Vegas residency. One day before Blackstock’s death, she cited the need to be ‘fully present’ for their children during his illness. The family has requested privacy while grieving, stating Blackstock ‘passed away peacefully surrounded by family’ after his prolonged cancer battle.
The disclosure has drawn significant media attention due to the omission of Clarkson—a global music icon—from the tribute despite their seven-year marriage and high-profile divorce finalized in 2022. It also raises questions about the timeline of Blackstock and Jones’ relationship, which reportedly deepened while they collaborated on Montana business ventures.
No statements have been issued by Clarkson or Jones regarding the obituary’s contents. Funeral arrangements remain private as the family focuses on mourning. The lasting impact may surface through Clarkson’s postponed professional commitments and potential future discussions about co-parenting dynamics.