Brandon Blackstock’s ex-wife, Melissa Ashworth, breaks silence on his death: ‘He fought hard’

Brandon Blackstock’s ex-wife, Melissa Ashworth, has paid tribute to her late husband following his death at age 48.

The talent manager, who was married to Ashworth from 2001 to 2012, died on Aug. 7 following a yearslong private battle with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

“On May 29, 1999 I married the man who would become the father of my children,” Ashworth wrote on Instagram over the weekend alongside a series of photos of the pair and their two children, son Seth, 18, and daughter Savannah, 23, as well as Savannah’s husband, Quentin Lee.

Ashworth’s tribute also featured a throwback photo from the pair’s wedding day.

“Brandon was full of charm, witt [sic], and just an absolute gentleman who happened to wear cowboy boots, wrangler jeans, and a cowboy hat. He was by far, hands down, the best Daddy and Pa. He loved hard and he fought hard,” she continued.

“The best thing Brandon has left for his children is they know where he is. I’ve heard it said, ‘Nothing is lost when you know where it is’ and Brandon is with Jesus his Savior.”

“Savannah, Seth, and our grandchildren are the best parts of who Brandon and I are. Thank you all for your prayers and condolences ✝️,” Ashworth concluded.

Following their divorce, Blackstock went on to find love with Kelly Clarkson, with whom he had daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9.

The duo were married from 2013 until Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020. Their union ended with a contentious legal battle that saw the pair fight over finances, custody and property.

The tribute came just days after Savannah revealed that she had announced she was expecting her second child just one month before her father died.

Taking to her  private Instagram account on July 5, soon-to-be mom of two revealed the news about her impending arrival.

“We’ve been keeping a couple sweet surprises,” wrote Savannah, who already shares 3-year-old son, Lake, with her husband. “One little girl will be making her arrival at the beginning of January.”

“The Lord has been so faithful,” she went on. “He’s written a story we never could’ve imagined, and His kindness in this season has left us in awe. He’s answered prayers we never even knew how to pray.”