HEARTBREAK IN THE BLACKSTOCK FAMILY — Just one month before her father’s passing, Savannah Blackstock, the eldest of Brandon Blackstock’s four children, shared joyful news with her family — a pregnancy announcement that would soon take on an even deeper, more bittersweet meaning.
Savannah, 23, a realtor from Florida, is the daughter of Brandon and his first wife, Melissa Ashworth. Already a devoted mother to her three-year-old son, Lake, with husband Quinton Lee, Savannah revealed in early July that they were expecting their second child, a baby girl due in January 2026.
On July 5, Savannah posted to her now-private Instagram, writing:
“We’ve been keeping a couple sweet surprises. A lovely girl named Juliana, who has already been one of our family’s greatest blessings, will be joining us in early January along with a little girl. He’s written a story we never could have imagined. And His kindness in this season has left us in awe. He has answered prayers for us that we didn’t even know how to ask for. It has been such a unique experience, full of elegance, excitement, and serenity. Our hearts are so full, and we are growing once more. Jesus, thank you.”
She closed her message with a single white heart emoji — a detail that now feels achingly prophetic.
Brandon Blackstock — known both as a talent manager and as the former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson — passed away on Thursday, August 7, at the age of 48, after a three-year battle with cancer.
In a statement to People, a family representative said:
“We share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away with great sadness. Brandon fought cancer valiantly for over three years. He died quietly, surrounded by his loved ones. We appreciate your prayers and thoughts, and we kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this extremely trying time.”
Blackstock leaves behind four children: Savannah and Seth, from his marriage to Melissa Ashworth (2001–2012), and River Rose (2014) and Remington Alexander (2016), from his later marriage to Kelly Clarkson (2013–2020). Clarkson and Blackstock’s divorce was finalized in March 2022.
Sources close to Clarkson told People that the singer was “devastated” by his passing. In the days before the announcement, she abruptly canceled her Las Vegas residency to remain home with their children, explaining to fans that she needed to be “fully present” as their father’s health declined.
“She has always made an effort to keep things elegant,” the insider shared. “Even after learning of his illness, she continued to be protective of him — for their children’s sake.”
In the final weeks of his life, Brandon’s illness was visible to those who knew him well. But the joy of knowing his family was growing again — and the promise of a new granddaughter — was a source of light amid the shadows.
Now, as Savannah prepares to welcome her daughter, her father’s absence will be felt in every milestone. And yet, through her words, it’s clear she carries his memory forward: a story of love, resilience, and family that continues, even after goodbye.