Kelly Clarkson’s Montana ranch story could easily be the plot of a country song, filled with heartache, legal wrangling, and a triumphant conclusion.
After a legal ruling confirmed that the $10.4 million property was rightfully hers, Kelly had to persuade her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, to move out.
Curious about how the ranch saga unfolded for Kelly and Brandon? Let’s dive into the details!
Kelly Clarkson first captured our hearts as the original American Idol with her powerful vocals and touching lyrics. Recognized as one of the standout talents from the show, her career has flourished. Despite this, her personal journey with Brandon Blackstock, the stepson of country music icon Reba McEntire, has been as eventful and emotional as her chart-topping songs.
The singer known for hits like “A Moment Like This” appeared to have the perfect partnership with her former manager when they married in 2013. Fans were enchanted by their chemistry, whether they were performing on stage or living their lives together.
However, in June 2020, after nearly seven years of marriage, Kelly, at 42, filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.
Recently, a source shared with Page Six that Kelly often “felt single” during her marriage to the now 48-year-old Blackstock.
The source elaborates, “As time went on, Kelly struggled to see Brandon as a true partner. In many ways, despite being married, she felt single.”
The Divorce Drama
Their divorce quickly turned into a difficult legal dispute over finances, custody of their two kids—daughter River, 10, and son Remington, 8—and ownership of their stunning $10.4 million Montana ranch.
The ranch, featuring charming log cabins, expansive pastures, and magnificent mountain vistas, is the picture-perfect spot for relaxation, creativity, and perhaps a little horseback riding.
Bought during their marriage, the property became central to their contentious high-profile divorce. Kelly had seen it as a personal haven, while Blackstock envisioned it as the future heart of his ranching dreams, leading to their prolonged legal conflict.
The Property Dispute
Blackstock, who transitioned from artist management to full-time ranching, argued that moving would derail his lifestyle and plans.
In 2021, a judge ruled in Kelly’s favor, emphasizing her prenuptial agreement as the reason she retains ownership of the ranch.
Court documents referenced by People clarify, “The Court finds that the Montana Ranch and the other two Montana properties are not jointly titled as required under their PMA to establish joint ownership.” This meant the court dismissed Blackstock’s claim that the ranch was a joint asset.
Securing the ranch was a major triumph for Kelly, though there was a hitch: Blackstock refused to leave. Despite the ruling, he remained, citing his need for more time to shift his budding ranching business.
He was required to pay $12,500 in monthly rent during this period, until he ultimately moved out in June 2022.
The Aftermath
Now with primary physical custody of their children, Kelly lives in New York. In 2023, the court ordered Blackstock to pay $2,641,374 for exceeding his managerial role and unlawfully procuring deals, as reported by People.
Kelly reflected, “Divorce, especially in the public eye, feels never-ending, yet it wasn’t a snap decision. I wanted it to work, to be beautiful, as best as it could. Sometimes, it just doesn’t pan out that way.”
Life After Divorce
Meanwhile, Blackstock continues his cowboy life in Montana, having founded Valley View Rodeo in 2023. The organization focuses on preserving the western lifestyle in today’s world.
His executive assistant, Brittany Jones, previously managed day-to-day operations for Kelly Clarkson when Blackstock was her manager. Following changes in Kelly’s management, Jones transitioned to overseeing Blackstock’s cattle operations in Montana, handling office and administrative responsibilities, along with personal tasks for him.
What’s your perspective on the drawn-out divorce between Kelly and Blackstock? And how do you feel about Blackstock collaborating with Kelly’s former assistant? We’d love to hear your opinions. Share your thoughts and this tale to get even more feedback!
