Kelly Clarkson’s Montana ranch story is as dramatic as a country song itself, filled with heartache, legal skirmishes, and a satisfying conclusion.
Following a judge’s decision that confirmed the $10.4 million estate rightfully belonged to her, Clarkson faced the challenge of persuading her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, to move on.
Let’s delve into the fate of this stunning ranch and the story surrounding Blackstock!
Kelly Clarkson, famously known as the first-ever American Idol winner, captured global hearts with her extraordinary voice and emotionally resonant songs. With a career as illustrious as hers, it’s not surprising that her relationship with Brandon Blackstock — who is not only her former manager but also the stepson of country music icon Reba McEntire — was equally as compelling, filled with high emotions and unexpected turns, just like her chart-topping hits.
Married in 2013, the pair appeared to be a perfect match, winning over fans with their chemistry, both on and off the stage. But in a twist that surprised many, Kelly filed for divorce in June 2020, after nearly seven years together, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason.
Insiders revealed to Page Six that Clarkson, now 42, often felt ‘single’ during her marriage to 48-year-old Blackstock.
‘Throughout her marriage, Kelly began to feel like she didn’t have a partner,’ shared a source. ‘She felt single in many respects, even when they were still together.’
A Tense Divorce Battle Unfolds
What ensued was a contentious legal battle over financial settlements, where they stand as parents to their two children — daughter River, 10, and son Remington, 8 — and, notably, the ownership of their spectacular $10.4 million Montana ranch.
With its picturesque log cabins, lush green pastures, and captivating mountain vistas, the vast estate is a slice of tranquility, an emblem of creativity, and a haven for horseback riding — the ultimate blend of relaxation and rural charm.
Kelly and Blackstock bought the ranch amid their marriage, thus making it a point of interest in their divorce proceedings. While Kelly saw it as a safe retreat, Blackstock envisioned it as his dream base for ranching activities — setting the stage for a lengthy legal squabble.
Marital Assets and Legal Standoffs
Blackstock, having redirected his career path from managing musical talents to fully embracing the rancher lifestyle, argued that moving away would disrupt his life and future plans. In 2021, a judge declared that the ranch was Kelly’s, citing the terms specified in her prenuptial agreement.
‘The court found that the ranch, along with other properties in Montana, isn’t listed under both their names, as joint tenants or tenants by entirety, thereby voiding Blackstock’s claim that these were marital properties,’ People reported from court documents. ‘The court dismissed Blackstock’s assertion on shared ownership.’
This ruling was a significant victory for Kelly. However, one challenge remained: Blackstock was not budging. Despite the clear court ruling, he maintained his stay, justifying it with the need to arrange his burgeoning ranching enterprise.
Faced with these circumstances, Blackstock had to pay a monthly rent of $12,500, eventually relocating in June 2022.
Transforming Pain into Growth
Now hosting ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ from New York, Kelly was awarded primary custody of their children. Meanwhile, in 2023, Blackstock faced a hefty penalty, ordered to pay his ex-wife $2,641,374 for missteps as a manager, which included securing unauthorized deals, according to a report by People.
‘The challenging aspect of divorce — more so in the public eye, with people assuming they know the full picture — it wasn’t an instant decision,’ Kelly told People magazine. ‘I aspired to make it beautiful, to make it work beautifully, but sometimes, it’s just not possible.’
A New Venture in Rodeo
Blackstock, still immersing in the cowboy lifestyle, found a new path with Valley View Rodeo, established in 2023 — an organization engineered to preserve the essence of western culture today.
His executive aide, Brittany Jones, once served under him for Kelly’s music and television engagements as her manager in LA before transitioning to head his office’s operations and administrative needs for his cattle endeavor in Montana.
Jones shares via LinkedIn about her managerial jump from Clarkson to Blackstock’s hands-on ranch duties, ensuring smooth operations and assisting personally at Valley View Rodeo. What are your thoughts on this lengthy divorce battle between the duo? And how do you feel about Blackstock’s collaboration with Kelly’s former aide? We’d love to hear your perspective — please share your views!
What’s Next?
As the dust settles on this saga, both Kelly and Brandon are finding new rhythms in their lives. Kelly pursues her musical and television career, residing in New York, while embracing motherhood with her small ones. Meanwhile, Brandon delves deeper into ranching, keeping the western lifestyle alive through his new venture in Montana.
