Brandon Blackstock, the former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, chose to spend his final months in Montana, a place where he reportedly felt most “at home.” The ranch property, which became a point of contention during the couple’s divorce proceedings, ultimately provided Blackstock with a peaceful setting away from public attention.
Blackstock and Clarkson finalized their divorce in March 2022 after nearly seven years of marriage. The couple shared two children together: daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander.
Montana Ranch Connection
The Montana property gained significant attention during the couple’s highly publicized divorce. Clarkson initially won the ranch in the divorce settlement, but Blackstock fought to maintain ownership of the property, arguing it held special significance for him.
Court documents revealed that Blackstock had shifted his career focus from entertainment management to ranching during the latter part of his marriage to Clarkson. The property, valued at approximately $17 million during divorce proceedings, eventually became Blackstock’s primary residence.
“The Montana ranch represented more than just real estate to Brandon,” a source close to the situation explained. “It symbolized his desire to step back from the entertainment industry and build a different kind of life.”
Life After Divorce
Following the split from Clarkson, Blackstock maintained a relatively low profile. While Clarkson continued her career as a talk show host and coach on “The Voice,” Blackstock embraced a quieter lifestyle focused on ranching and being away from the spotlight that had defined much of his marriage.
The divorce settlement required Blackstock to pay Clarkson rent for staying on the property until he established alternative living arrangements. Reports indicated he paid approximately $12,500 monthly while residing there.
Despite the financial arrangements, the Montana property allowed Blackstock to pursue his interest in ranching and livestock management, skills he had developed over several years.
Legacy in the Entertainment Industry
Before his marriage to Clarkson, Blackstock built a career as a talent manager in the music industry. As the son of Narvel Blackstock and former stepson of country music star Reba McEntire, he grew up with strong connections to the country music scene.
Blackstock managed several high-profile clients during his career, including Blake Shelton. His professional relationship with Clarkson began before their romantic involvement, as he served as her manager for several years.
The couple met at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006 when Clarkson was rehearsing with Rascal Flatts, a group Blackstock managed at the time. They reconnected years later and married in 2013.
In choosing Montana for his final months, Blackstock returned to the landscape that had come to define his post-marriage identity. The rural setting, with its natural beauty and distance from urban centers, provided him with the privacy and peace he sought after years in the entertainment industry spotlight.
For Blackstock, the Montana property represented not just a home but a lifestyle choice that marked his transition away from the music industry that had defined much of his professional life.
