Brandon Blackstock, former music manager and ex-husband of pop singer Kelly Clarkson, spent his final years in Montana with his partner Brittney Marie Jones, who was once deeply involved in his and Clarkson's professional life. Brittney, described as Blackstock's "beautiful and loving partner," had an interesting connection to Clarkson before her relationship with Blackstock blossomed. According to her LinkedIn profile, Brittney worked as Kelly Clarkson's production assistant in Nashville from 2016 to 2018. This role allowed her to be closely involved in Clarkson's day-to-day professional schedule and projects, building an intimate knowledge of the music and entertainment business surrounding the star. In December 2018, Brittney transitioned to working more directly for Blackstock as an executive management assistant while continuing to assist in managing Clarkson's artist schedule.

The transition in Brittney’s career from working directly for Kelly Clarkson to working alongside Brandon Blackstock illustrates the close professional ties between the trio in the years leading up to a significant personal change for all involved. Blackstock and Clarkson were married in 2013 after a long courtship that began with their meeting at a 2006 Academy of Country Music Awards rehearsal. They had two children together, River Rose and Remington Alexander. However, their marriage ended in a divorce filing in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences, with the divorce finalized two years later in 2022.

Following their divorce, Blackstock relocated to Montana, reportedly finding solace in a different pace of life reminiscent of the cowboy lifestyle he cherished. There, he and Brittney Marie Jones began building their life together, embracing private life far from the public eye. They were reportedly engaged in business ventures, including the creation of Headwaters Livestock Auction and The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, which are highlighted as part of Blackstock’s legacy in Montana. This new chapter marked a shift from the entertainment scene towards agricultural and rodeo enterprises alongside his partner.

Tragically, Brandon Blackstock’s life was cut short when he died on August 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer lasting more than three years. His obituary poignantly referenced the love and partnership he shared with Brittney as well as his retreat to Montana, underscoring the personal reinvention and deep bond they had formed. Brittney Marie Jones, once a key figure behind the scenes in Kelly Clarkson’s career, became a central figure in Blackstock’s final years, supporting him both personally and professionally until his passing.