The family of Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, is beginning to speak out after his tragic death at age 48. Brandon died on Thursday, August 7, after a private, yearslong battle with cancer. His brother, race car driver Shelby Blackstock, 35, was one of the first in the family to publicly address his passing.

Brandon Blackstock spent his heartbreaking final days surrounded by family, but his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, was not his primary caregiver.