‘Loved hard and he fought hard’: Brandon Blackstock’s ex-wife Melissa Ashworth Wells pays tribute

Brandon Blackstock’s family is sharing heartfelt memories after his death on Aug. 7 at his home in Butte, Montana. He was 47.

Melissa Ashworth Wells, who was married to the talent manager from 1999 to 2012, posted a tribute alongside photos from their wedding day and moments with their two children, Savannah, 23, and Seth, 18. On Instagram, she started:

"On May 29, 1999 I married the man who would become the father of my children. Brandon was full of charm, [wit], and just an absolute gentleman who happened to wear cowboy boots, wrangler jeans, and a cowboy hat."

Wells went on:

"He was by far, hands down, the best Daddy and Pa. He loved hard and he fought hard.”

She also reflected on the faith she says sustained him.

“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. Savannah, Seth, and our grandchildren are the best parts of who Brandon and I are.”

Seth, the couple’s younger child, remembered his father as more than a parent. In his tribute on Aug. 8, he expressed his grief:

"I lost my hero yesterday, words can’t describe how proud of you I am on raising me and your 3 other kids."

He also called Brandon Blackstock his "best friend."

“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. I’ll see you everyday when the sun rises and falls.”

He ended his message with a note of love and a shared pastime:

“I can’t wait to throw a line in the water with you again. Love you dad. Be good or good at it.”

Brandon Blackstock’s cause of death confirmed following his passing at 48

Authorities have confirmed the cause of death for Brandon Blackstock.

According to Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis, the music manager passed away due to melanoma, a form of skin cancer. The manner of death was listed as natural causes.

"Brandon Blackstock passed away peacefully at his home in Butte, Montana on August 7th under hospice care surrounded by his family."

Shortly after his death on Aug. 7, a family representative shared 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."

Blackstock’s death came just a day after Kelly Clarkson revealed she would postpone the remainder of her August Las Vegas residency dates, citing her ex-husband’s illness and her need to be “fully present” for their children.

"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."

Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson tied the knot in 2013. Their marriage ended in 2020. He leaves behind daughter River Rose, 11, and son Remington Alexander, 9, from his marriage to the "Breakaway" hitmaker.

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