Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s cause of death revealed

Brandon Blackstock, the former talent manager and ex-husband of music superstar and television host Kelly Clarkson, died of melanoma.

Dan Hollis, coroner for Silver Bow County, confirmed the form of skin cancer as Blackstock’s cause of death to Entertainment Weekly; the manner of death was listed as natural. Blackstock, who died on Aug. 7 at the age of 48, passed peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Butte, Mont.

PEOPLE first reported on Blackstock’s cause of death.

Blackstock battled cancer for more than three years, a representative for the family previously told EW. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” the representative said.

Clarkson postponed the remainder of her Las Vegas residency at Colosseum at Caesars Palace last week, sharing in a statement one day prior to Blackstock’s passing that her ex-husband had been ill and that she needed to be present for their two children, daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander.

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

Clarkson and Blackstock, a former talent manager who also represented Clarkson for several years, met in 2006 at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards and wed in 2013. They separated in 2002, after nearly seven years of marriage. Blackstock was also the former stepson of country singer Reba McEntire, Clarkson’s close friend: his father, Narvel Blackstock, a producer and manager, was married to McEntire between 1989 and 2015.

The former couple were embroiled in a long and contentious legal battle at the end of their marriage involving disputes regarding custody, spousal support, and the division of property, including a ranch in Montana they owned jointly. The divorce was finalized in 2022, Blackstock reportedly retired from the industry in 2021 following his separation from Clarkson, moving from Los Angeles to Montana to become a rancher.

Blackstock is survived by the two children he welcomed with Clarkson; daughter Savannah and son Seth from a previous marriage; father Narvel Blackstock; and his siblings Shelby, Shawna, and Chassidy.