Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of pop star Kelly Clarkson, has died from cancer, a family representative confirmed to CBS News. He was 48 years old.

Brandon Blackstock dealt with a private health crisis for three years before he died on Thursday, Aug. 7. In announcing his death, a representative for the talent manager and his family revealed that Blackstock,

Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's former husband of seven years and father to kids River Rose and Remy Alexander, died "surrounded by family."