Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and the former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has died following a private three-year battle with melanoma. He was 48.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” his management company, Starstruck, announced in a statement on Aug. 7, 2025. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”
Medical experts weigh in on black tumor cancer that killed Brandon Blackstock: what to look out for
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Blackstock, who was married to Clarkson from 2013 to 2020, was a fixture in the entertainment industry and the stepson of country music legend Reba McEntire.
Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, claims about 8,000 lives in the United States each year, according to experts. Unlike some other skin cancers, melanoma has a high potential to spread quickly if not detected early. “Melanoma is considered the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it has a high potential to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early,” said Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, a dermatologist. The cancer can travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, reaching other organs in a short time.
Risk factors for melanoma include fair skin, light-colored eyes, red or blond hair, a history of blistering sunburns, and significant sun exposure. While the average age of diagnosis in the U.S. is 66, it is also among the most common cancers in people under 30, particularly young women.
The disease can affect people of all skin tones, though those with less melanin are at higher risk due to reduced natural protection from UV rays. Signs of melanoma may include a new or changing mole, irregular borders, multiple colors, or a diameter larger than six millimeters. Dermatologists recommend following the “ABCDE” rule — asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and evolution — when monitoring skin changes, and seeking regular professional skin exams.
Preventive measures include minimizing UV exposure, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds.