Brandon Blackstock's First Wife Remembers Him As An 'Absolute Gentleman' In Moving Tribute

Brandon Blackstock’s shocking death has left a gaping hole in several people’s lives, including his first wife, Melissa Ashworth. 

The talent manager spent over a decade married to Ashworth before he married his second wife, Kelly Clarkson, whom he divorced in 2022. 

Blackstock took his final breath on August 7, 2025, after a lengthy battle with melanoma, a form of skin cancer. 

Ashworth shared an Instagram post praising her late ex-husband’s likable qualities and commending him for putting up a good fight. 

“On May 29, 1999, I married the man who would become the father of my children. Brandon was full of charm, wit, and just an absolute gentleman who happened to wear cowboy boots, wrangler jeans, and a cowboy hat,” she wrote. 

The actress noted that her ex-husband was the “best daddy” to their two children, Savannah and Seth. She heartbreakingly recalled how hard he loved those he cared about while alive. 

In Ashworth’s tribute, she revealed that the “best thing” the late talent manager left for his children is the knowledge that he is in a better place. 

“I’ve heard it said, 'Nothing is lost when you know where it is,' and Brandon is with Jesus, his Savior,” she added in the accompanying caption.

Ashworth further called Savannah and Seth the “best parts” of her ex-husband and herself, and thanked everyone for the support they showed her during this difficult period.

Alongside the heartwarming message was a family photo of Blackstock with Savannah's family and his grandkids. Ashworth also included their wedding picture.

Blackstock’s time on earth came to a definitive end after struggling with cancer for three years. A rep for the family confirmed the news, saying that his passing was peaceful.

Per The Blast, the late entertainment mogul was surrounded by his loving family members when he died. They showed unending support to him, even to the end. 

A day before Blackstock died, his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, postponed her August Las Vegas residency dates, citing his deteriorating health as the reason for the schedule changes.

Blackstock’s death didn’t only affect his first wife, Ashworth, but also his second wife, Clarkson. 

An informant shared that Blackstock’s illness and death turned Clarkson’s life upside down.  Now, the “American Idol” singer is reportedly feeling “lost” following her ex-husband’s demise.

Clarkson is not only grieving the huge loss; she is now facing the reality of being a solo parent to the two children she had with the late talent manager. 

Despite cutting off all romantic connections with Blackstock, Clarkson reportedly held no animosity towards her ex-husband. Although she was not named as his primary caregiver at the time of his passing, she never said anything bad about her former lover.  

The Blast reported that it will take some time for the 43-year-old singer to return to her “jovial” self, as revealed by an insider. 

“This is going to stick with her forever, it will be a long time for her to get back to the jovial Kelly we all know and love,” the insider shared. 

Thankfully, Clarkson does not have to deal with her grief alone, as she is surrounded by an incredible support system. Her colleagues on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” have shown commitment to helping the singer “pick up the slack” and help her recover from the loss as much as possible. 

After Blackstock’s second marriage ended in 2022, he moved out of Clarkson’s $10 million ranch and purchased his own home in Butte, Montana. 

Although the late talent manager spent most of his life in the entertainment world, he generally preferred living under the radar. As such, he was more content being in his Montana home with his ranch and rodeo. 

As reported by The Blast, he spent his final years living away from the spotlight, tucked away in his $1.8 million property. The house sat on over 41 acres and featured four bedrooms and three bathrooms.