Brandon Blackstock, music manager and former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has sadly passed away at the age of 48 after a quiet three-year battle with melanoma, often called the “black tumor” cancer.
Clarkson has postponed her shows due to Blackstock’s passing. Credit: Christopher Polk / Getty
On August 7, 2025, his management company, Starstruck, shared the heartbreaking news:
“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family.”
Kelly Clarkson revealed just a day earlier that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency to be present for their children, River (11) and Remington (9), explaining that their father had been “ill” and needed her focus.
What Is Melanoma and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Melanoma is considered the most aggressive form of skin cancer because it can spread quickly to other organs through the bloodstream and lymphatic system (American Cancer Society). Unlike other skin cancers, melanoma doesn’t just stay on the skin’s surface. If not caught early, it can become life-threatening.
Any concerns should be checked out by a dermatologist. Credit: ruizluquepaz / Getty
In 2025 alone, about 104,960 new cases are expected in the U.S., with around 8,430 deaths.
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How to Spot Melanoma — The ABCDE Rule
Dermatologists suggest using the ABCDE method for checking suspicious moles or spots (Skin Cancer Foundation):
- Asymmetry – One half doesn’t match the other.
- Border – Irregular, blurred, or jagged edges.
- Color – Multiple shades of brown, black, red, or even white.
- Diameter – Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolution – Any change in size, shape, or color over time.
Clarkson is “devastated” by Blackstock’s passing. Credit: Jeff Kravitz / Getty
⚠️ Not all melanomas follow these rules — some can be small, skin-colored, or without pigment. That’s why yearly skin checks are important.
Who’s at Higher Risk?
Melanoma can affect anyone, but the risk is higher for:
- People with fair skin, light eyes, or hair that freckles or burns easily
- Those with a history of blistering sunburns, especially in childhood
- Anyone with many moles or a family history of melanoma
- People who use indoor tanning beds (increasing risk by up to 75% if used before age 35)
Prevention Is Your Best Defense
According to dermatologists like Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, prevention is simple but powerful:
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ every day (even when it’s cloudy!)
- Use protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses in strong sunlight
- Avoid tanning beds completely
- Perform monthly self-checks and schedule annual dermatologist visits
Early detection changes everything — if melanoma is caught before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is 99%.
Brandon Blackstock’s loss is a devastating reminder of how important skin health awareness is. Protect your skin, check your spots, and don’t ignore changes — your future self will thank you.
For more information, visit the American Cancer Society and Skin Cancer Foundation.
