Kelly Clarkson scored a hit with a love song that was inspired by her late ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
What Kelly Clarkson Song Did Brandon Blackstock Inspire?
In a 2012 interview, Clarkson told ABC News Radio that her romance with Blackstock served as her inspiration to record “Don’t Rush,” which featured Vince Gill on backing vocals.
“I’m in a relationship and super happy,” she said at the time, “and I don’t think I would have been able to sing this song eight months ago.”
“Love should be celebrated, and this is a great description of where I’m at in my life,” she added. “This is a couple’s skate, not an all-skate song.”
“Don’t Rush” reached No. 23 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 56th Grammy Awards.
Who Was Brandon Blackstock?
Blackstock was a well-known figure in Nashville’s music scene.
The son of powerful Nashville executive Narvel Blackstock — who managed and was married to Reba McEntire for 26 years — Blackstock followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a high-powered manager whose clients included not only Clarkson, but also Blake Shelton.
Blackstock and Clarkson wed in October of 2013. She filed for divorce in June of 2020, and they reached a settlement in March of 2022.
What Happened to Brandon Blackstock?
Blackstock privately battled cancer in the last three years of his life. He died on Thursday (Aug. 7) at the age of 48.
Were Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock Close When He Died?
It’s not clear if the former couple ever renewed their friendship after they finalized their divorce.
However, they shared two children — daughter River Rose, 10, and son Remington Alexander, 8 — and they remained committed to co-parenting.
Clarkson announced on Wednesday (Aug. 6) that she was postponing the dates for her Las Vegas residency as he battled an unspecified illness.
“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,” she wrote.
Clarkson continued, “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness, and understanding.”
The news of Blackstock’s death comes after Clarkson had sparked rampant online speculation by repeatedly missing tapings of her daily talk show in 2025.
Funeral plans for Brandon Blackstock are to be announced.
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Kelly Clarkson was the winner of the first season of American Idol in 2002. From that moment on, Clarkson would instantly become a household name across America. Since, she has sold over 25 million albums and 45 million singles worldwide. Let’s roll back the clock with 25 pictures of Kelly Clarkson young.
Gallery Credit: Evan Paul
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