Brandon Blackstock’s loved ones gathered together in Montana to celebrate his life days after he lost a three-year battle with cancer.
“Brandon’s closest friends and family gathered over the weekend for a few days to celebrate his life in the place he loved most. It was very private,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “His partner, Brittney [Marie Jones], his family and his closest friends spent time at his home sharing memories of Brandon and remembering how much he meant to them.”
The insider added, “It was sad and there were tears, but there were also a lot of laughs remembering Brandon’s pranks and sense of humor.”
The source continued, “It was special for everyone to spend time in Montana walking and hiking the roads Brandon loved so much, and to gather at his home to remember him.”
Shane Tarleton was among those who attended the event. In a since-expired Instagram Story, Tarleton posted a faraway photo of people sitting around a firepit at night.
“@brandonblackstock would’ve loved this night so much,” Tarleton wrote in text overlaying the image. “So many of his fav people in his backyard around a campfire at sunset.”
Another Blackstock friend, Nashville hairstylist Amanda Craig, took to her own Instagram Story to share a photo of herself and her husband smiling with green rolling hills in the background.
“We understand why you loved it here so much,” Craig wrote. “Celebrating your wonderful life over the weekend was a true gift. We love you BB!”
Us confirmed on August 7 that Blackstock had died at the age of 48 after battling malignant melanoma.
“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,” a rep for Blackstock’s family told Us in a statement. “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.”
Blackstock is survived by his parents, his siblings, his four children and his grandchildren. Blackstock shared Savannah, 23, and Seth, 18, with first wife Melissa Ashworth and River Rose, 11, and Remington, 9, with ex-wife Kelly Clarkson.
Blackstock, who was Clarkson’s one-time manager, purchased a $1.8 million home in Butte, Montana, just over one month after their 2022 divorce was finalized. The pair first started dating in 2012, tying the knot just over one year later in October 2013.
He relocated to the Western state to work as a rancher in the years preceding his death.
“Brandon lived a pretty quiet life in Montana. That was how he liked it,” a source exclusively told Us earlier this month. “Even though he worked in entertainment in the past, that was not his personality. He was at home in Montana.”
While Clarkson “was not caring for Brandon” amid his illness, according to the source, the talk show host prioritized their children’s time with their father.
“She did spend a lot of time traveling with her kids to be with him,” the source added.
On August 6, Clarkson postponed her Las Vegas residency as Blackstock’s health took a turn for the worse.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” Clarkson, 43, announced via Instagram. “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.”
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