The family of Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, is beginning to speak out after his tragic death at age 48. Brandon died on Thursday, August 7, after a private, yearslong battle with cancer. His brother, race car driver Shelby Blackstock, 35, was one of the first in the family to publicly address his passing.

Clarkson, the "American Idol" star who shared two children with Blackstock, had just announced she was stepping away from concerts to support her family.