Who is Brandon Blackstock’s Mother? All about Elisa Gayle Ritter

Brandon Blackstock, music manager and former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has died at the age of 48 after a more than three-year battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully on August 7, surrounded by family.

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

Brandon is survived by his four children — Savannah and Seth, from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth, and River Rose and Remington “Remy” Alexander, whom he shared with Kelly Clarkson.

Early Life and Family Background

Born in 1976, Brandon was the middle child of Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter. His parents were married for 15 years before divorcing in 1988. Brandon’s siblings include Shawna Rene Blackstock (born 1973) and Chassidy Celeste Blackstock (born 1978).

Narvel, a well-known music manager and producer, founded Starstruck Entertainment in 1988, representing artists such as Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce. He also produced several of Reba McEntire’s projects.

Connection to Reba McEntire

After his parents’ divorce, Narvel married country music icon Reba McEntire in 1989. Though they divorced in 2015, McEntire has continued to refer to Brandon as her son.

“Brandon’s been my son forever, it seems,” she told Entertainment Tonight in 2021. “Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my blood.”

From Narvel and McEntire’s marriage came Brandon’s half-brother, Shelby Blackstock, born in 1990.

Marriage to Kelly Clarkson and Children

Brandon married Kelly Clarkson in 2013. The couple welcomed daughter River in 2014 and son Remy in 2016. They separated in June 2020, and their divorce was finalized in March 2022. Clarkson retained primary custody of the children, with Brandon sharing joint legal custody.

Clarkson has not spoken publicly since Brandon’s passing, but a source told PEOPLE she is “heartbroken” for her children. “Kelly and Brandon had their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, he was the father of her children,” the source shared.

Becoming a Grandfather

In January 2022, Brandon became a grandfather when his daughter Savannah welcomed her first child, Lake. She is currently expecting her second child.