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.

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?

Blackstock has passed away following a secret three-year battle with cancer, a family spokesperson revealed in a statement.