Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Dead at 48

Brandon Blackstock — Kelly Clarkson‘s ex-husband and former manager — has died, the family announced in a statement Thursday.

The statement — originally obtained by People — reads, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

It was clear Blackstock was dealing with a major health issue … because Clarkson announced she was postponing her Las Vegas residency because of her husband’s health issues — explaining she needed to be with her children.

Blackstock and Clarkson met at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards back in 2006 … though they didn’t start dating until early 2012 after reconnecting at Super Bowl XLVI. They got engaged later that year and married in 2013.

Blackstock was 48.