Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, privately battled cancer for three years before his death at age 48. "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," a rep for the family said in a statement to Us Weekly on Thursday, August 7. "Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years." The message, which did not disclose the type of cancer Blackstock had been diagnosed with, noted that Blackstock "passed away peacefully" and was "surrounded by family.