In a shocking turn of events, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, has tragically passed away at just 48. This heartbreaking loss comes after a long battle with cancer, a struggle that he faced with courage for more than three years.

A family representative shared the somber news with PEOPLE, stating: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time." This news comes on the heels of Clarkson's recent announcement to postpone her Las Vegas residency due to Brandon's declining health.

Earlier this week, Kelly took to Instagram to inform her fans about the postponement, stating, "Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas. While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows, and I so appreciate your grace, kindness, and understanding." It's evident that this emotional toll on Clarkson is profound, as she prioritizes her family during this challenging time.

Brandon Blackstock shared two children with Kelly, River Rose, 11, and Remington 'Remy' Alexander, 9. Additionally, he had two children from a previous marriage and became a grandfather in 2022 when his eldest daughter welcomed a son. Brandon's father, Narvel, played a significant role in the music industry as Kelly's former manager, making their connections even more intertwined.

Their love story began back in 2006 when they met at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards. After Brandon’s divorce from his first wife, fate reunited him and Kelly at the Super Bowl, leading to their marriage in October 2013. This union allowed Brandon to manage Kelly’s career, which she has publicly praised, saying, "I wouldn’t have hired Brandon to be my manager if I didn’t see first-hand how great he is at that." She emphasized his talent and dedication to his work, showering him with admiration.

However, life took a complicated turn when Kelly filed for divorce in 2020 after six years of marriage. She admitted in 2023 that the process “ripped her apart,” highlighting the emotional complexity of public breakups. Kelly shared that the decision to part ways was not taken lightly and had been years in the making, revealing the struggles that lurk behind the curtain of celebrity life.