Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband, Dead at 48 — Heartbreaking Letter to Kelly and Their Children Revealed The entertainment world is reeling from the sudden death of Brandon Blackstock, 48, ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson and father of their two children, River Rose (10) and Remington Alexander (8). Blackstock passed away peacefully at his Montana ranch after what family sources describe as “a brief but serious illness.” But what he left behind has shaken those closest to him to their core — a handwritten letter addressed to Kelly and their children.
THE LETTER THAT WILL BREAK YOUR HEART
According to a close family friend, the letter was found in Brandon’s desk drawer, sealed in an envelope marked: “For Kelly, River, and Remy — when I’m gone.”
Its contents, though private, have been partially shared with permission from the Clarkson family.
In the opening lines, Brandon addressed Kelly directly:
“Kel, I know we didn’t end the way fairy tales do, but you gave me the two greatest chapters of my life — River and Remy. You taught me what unconditional love looks like, even when it’s not perfect.”
He then wrote to his children:
“River, my fearless girl, never dim your light for anyone. You are pure magic.
Remy, my little man, take care of your sister and your mama. Be strong, but never be afraid to cry.”
The letter closed with a line that has reportedly left Kelly in tears every time she reads it:
“I may not be there to walk you down the aisle, River… or teach you how to drive, Remy… but every time you hear the wind through the trees, that’s me — telling you I’m proud of you.”
KELLY’S REACTION
A source close to the singer says Kelly has been “devastated but deeply moved” by the letter.
“It was Brandon’s way of making peace — with Kelly, with himself, with life. She’s reading it to the kids at night when they feel scared. It’s become a comfort.”
THE FAREWELL
At his private funeral in Nashville, Kelly reportedly placed the original letter in a small wooden box, along with a family photo taken during happier times, before it was buried with him.
Blake Shelton, a longtime friend of both, sang a quiet acoustic version of “Over You” at Kelly’s request. The chapel was silent except for the sound of muffled sobs.
FAN REACTIONS:
- “That letter… I’m crying and I didn’t even know him.”
- “Proof that love doesn’t end when relationships do.”
- “Kelly reading this to her kids makes my heart ache.”
“If I had one more day, I’d spend it watching the three of you laugh,” Brandon wrote in his final words.
“That’s heaven for me.”