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.