Kelly Clarkson’s late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock had a ‘loving partner’ at the time of his death, according to his newly published obituary.

Blackstock — who was married to Clarkson from 2013 to 2020 and shared daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9 — passed away on Aug. 7 at age 48 after a private, years-long struggle with melanoma.

The obituary, published Tuesday, disclosed that Blackstock had been in a relationship with Brittney Marie Jones and was discreetly creating a new life with her in Montana, a detail unknown to many fans.

‘After over two decades in the music industry, Brandon returned to the mountains and embraced the cowboy lifestyle he always aspired to live,’ the obituary stated. ‘He discovered a homestead and a love in Butte, Montana.’

It continued: ‘Brandon, along with his beautiful and loving life and business partner, Brittney Marie Jones, embarked on building a life, founding companies, and working tirelessly to establish Headwaters Livestock Auction and his enduring legacy, The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana.’

In a bombshell revelation, a December 2024 report on Blackstock and Jones’s rodeo business listed Jones as Clarkson’s ‘former assistant.’ 

Kelly Clarkson ‘s late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock had a ‘loving partner’ at the time of his death, according to his newly published obituary 

In a shocking revelation, a December 2024 report on Blackstock’s rodeo enterprise identified his partner Brittany Jones (pictured) as Clarkson’s ‘former assistant.’

The obituary, released Tuesday, revealed that Blackstock had been in a relationship with Brittney Marie Jones and was quietly building a new life with her in Montana, a fact unknown to many fans.

The obituary read: ‘Brandon, along with his beautiful and loving partner in life and business, Brittney Marie Jones, started building a life, building companies, and working tirelessly to create Headwaters Livestock Auction and what will live on as his legacy, The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana.’

DailyMail.com has not received a response to its request for comment from reps for Clarkson. 

A prior LinkedIn profile for Jones highlighted in the report reveals she served as an executive assistant to Brandon Blackstock as well as an assistant to Kelly Clarkson while Blackstock managed the singer.

‘I successfully assistant managed day to day for artist, Kelly Clarkson under manager, Brandon Blackstock in Los Angeles for music and television,’ the profile read, according to The Sun.

‘After a change in management for Ms. Clarkson, I transitioned to Executive Assistant for Mr. Blackstock’s cattle operation in Montana, where I currently run the office and handle administration work. 

‘I also currently fulfill personal assistant duties for Mr. Blackstock.’

Jones’s LinkedIn also identifies her as the Executive Assistant of V Bar V Cattle Co. LLC — formerly Vintage Valley Ranch — one of Blackstock’s companies, further tying her to his post-divorce life in Montana.

Jones was previously married to Greg Goose LaPoint, according to details found on her Facebook page. 

The couple shared wedding photos from their September 2021 ceremony, offering a glimpse into their life together. 

However, the exact timeline and circumstances of their separation remain unclear. 

A previous LinkedIn profile for Jones highlighted in the report reveals she served as an executive assistant to Brandon Blackstock as well as an assistant to Kelly Clarkson while Blackstock managed the singer

Jones was previously married to Greg Goose LaPoint, according to details found on her Facebook page

The bombshell dropped just hours after Melissa Ashworth, Blackstock’s first wife, spoke out publicly about his passing. 

‘On May 29, 1999 I married the man who would become the father of my children,’ Ashworth wrote on Instagram over the weekend. 

Her post included a collection of photos featuring Blackstock, their children — son Seth, 18, and daughter Savannah, 23 — as well as Savannah’s husband, Quentin Lee.

She also shared a throwback from their wedding day, reflecting on the man she once called her husband. 

‘Brandon was full of charm, wit, and just an absolute gentleman who happened to wear cowboy boots, wrangler jeans, and a cowboy hat. He was by far, hands down, the best Daddy and Pa. He loved hard and he fought hard,’ she wrote.

Melissa Ashworth, the first wife of Kelly Clarkson ’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, is speaking out just days after his passing at age 48

Ashworth shared a throwback from their wedding day, reflecting on the man she once called her husband

‘The best thing Brandon has left for his children is they know where he is. I’ve heard it said, “Nothing is lost when you know where it is” and Brandon is with Jesus his Savior,” she continued. 

‘Savannah, Seth, and our grandchildren are the best parts of who Brandon and I are. Thank you all for your prayers and condolences.’

After their divorce, Blackstock married Clarkson, and the two went on to have two children.

Ashworth’s message came just hours after her and Blackstock’s son Seth also posted his own heartfelt tribute to his father.

He shared a series of photos with his father, ranging from his early childhood to more recent years. 

In one snapshot from Seth’s tribute, a toddler-aged Seth flashes a wide grin while his father smiles proudly behind him. 

Another image captures a slightly older Seth alongside his sister Savannah, laughing as they play outside with their German Shepherd and their dad.

‘I lost my hero yesterday, words can’t describe how proud of you I am on raising me and your 3 other kids,’ Seth wrote in his caption. 

Clarkson, 43, and Blackstock were married from 2013–2022 and welcomed two children, River, 11, and Remington, nine — he also has two children from a previous marriage; pictured in 2019 in LA

‘You were a father, a son, a brother, and most importantly my best friend.

‘You’ll have to watch me grow up from a Birds Eye view now buts that’s OK with me. There’s no one else on this earth that I would want to be my dad because no one can be half the man you were to me,’ he continued. ‘I’ll see you everyday when the sun rises and falls. 

‘I can confidently say all the deer and elk took a sigh of relief when the best hunter I’ve ever known laid his rifle down for the last time,’ Seth concluded. ‘I love you so much and can’t wait to throw a line in the water with you again. Love you dad. Be good or good at it — love your son Seth.’

Blackstock, the former stepson of country superstar Reba McEntire, was married to the American Idol star from 2013–2022.

The news of Blackstock’s death came hours after Clarkson revealed she was postponing the remaining dates on her Las Vegas residency in August due to her ex-husband’s illness. 

A representative for the family said in a statement: ‘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.’