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

"Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years," a representative for his family said in a statement. "He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family."

Less than a day after Kelly Clarkson postponed her shows in Las Vegas to be with family, it was announced that her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, had died. He was 48 years old and had been in a battle with cancer for over three years.