Kelly Clarkson abruptly cancelled her Las Vegas shows, announcing that her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, was ill. Then, came the tragic news that Blackstock was dead at the age of 48. What was his cause of death?

The last five years for Kelly Clarkson have been a period of dramatic change and growth. From her divorce from Brandon Blackstock to moving across the country to start over, she’s been through a massive trial.

Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's ex, died at 48 after a cancer battle, his family announced Aug. 7. Look back at his bond with stepmom Reba McEntire, who said she loved him like he was "blood."