The Kelly Clarkson Love Song That Forever Links Her to Brandon Blackstock
Kelly Clarkson’s Hit Love Song Inspired by Brandon Blackstock
Kelly Clarkson turned a personal love story into one of her most heartfelt hits — a song inspired by her late ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
What Kelly Clarkson Song Was About Brandon Blackstock?
In a 2012 interview with ABC News Radio, Clarkson revealed that her romance with Blackstock inspired her to record “Don’t Rush”, a smooth country ballad featuring Vince Gill on backing vocals.
“I’m in a relationship and super happy,” she said at the time. “I don’t think I would have been able to sing this song eight months ago.”
Clarkson added, “Love should be celebrated, and this song is a great description of where I’m at in my life. This is a couple’s skate, not an all-skate song.”
“Don’t Rush” went on to peak at 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?
Brandon Blackstock was a well-known figure in Nashville’s music industry.
The son of powerful Nashville executive Narvel Blackstock — who managed and was married to Reba McEntire for 26 years — Brandon followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a successful music manager. His roster included stars like Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton.
Clarkson and Blackstock married in October 2013. She filed for divorce in June 2020, and the two reached a settlement in March 2022.
What Happened to Brandon Blackstock?
Blackstock privately battled cancer for the last three years of his life. He passed away on Thursday, Aug. 7, at the age of 48.
Were Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock Close Before His Death?
It’s unclear whether Clarkson and Blackstock reconnected after their divorce. However, they shared two children — River Rose (10) and Remington Alexander (8) — and remained committed to co-parenting.
Just one day before his passing, on Aug. 6, Clarkson announced she was postponing dates for her Las Vegas residency to be with her children while their father battled an illness.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” she wrote. “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.”
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