Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, dead at 48 after cancer battle

Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has reportedly died after battling cancer. He was 48.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a family rep told People Thursday.

“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

Page Six has reached out to reps but did not immediately hear back. However, a source confirmed to us that Blackstock had recently been in hospice.

The heartbreaking news comes less than 24 hours after Clarkson announced via social media that she was abruptly canceling her Las Vegas residency, as her ex had been “ill.”

“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them,” she wrote via Instagram Wednesday.

“I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”

Clarkson, 43, and Blackstone — who settled their divorce in 2022 after years of contentious court battles — shared two children: River, 11, and Remington, 9.

In the divorce, the “American Idol” alum was granted primary custody of their kids, but ordered to pay the music manager $115,000 a month in spousal support until January 2024.

Despite their differences, Page Six exclusively learned Thursday that Clarkson helped care for Blackstock amid his health struggles.

We were told the mom of two suddenly took time off from NBC’s “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in February and March in order to look after her ex-husband, who was also Reba McEntire’s former stepson.

“It’s been exhausting and so sad,” a source told us. “Kelly has been working so hard, as well as looking after Brandon. Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father.”

Blackstock’s cancer battle was not known to the public until his death was announced Thursday.

Due to his struggles being kept under wraps, Clarkson’s alleged “flakiness” reportedly sparked confusion among her staffers behind-the-scenes.

 “She’s all in on the talk show, then she’s not, then she is again. She’s performing in Vegas, now she’s not. It’s her voice. It’s personal issues,” an insider told the Daily Mail in July.

At the time, the “Stronger” singer had canceled her shows for the opening weekend of her residency.

She claimed via Instagram at the time, “The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice.

“I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve.”

Clarkson has yet to issue an official statement on Blackstock’s death.