Did Brittney Marie Jones’ Montana life with Brandon Blackstock begin before Kelly Clarkson’s marriage ended?
Brittney Marie Jones, described as Brandon Blackstock’s “beautiful and loving partner,” worked with him in life and business before his death at 48.
Brittney Marie Jones has drawn renewed public interest after being named in the obituary of talent manager Brandon Blackstock as his “beautiful and loving partner.”
Blackstock, 48, passed away on August 7, 2025, following a three-year battle with melanoma. According to the obituary released by Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services, he and Jones had been living in Montana and running joint ventures, including Headwaters Livestock Auction and the Valley View Rodeo.
Career Path and Connection to Blackstock
Jones began her professional life in the entertainment industry, working as a production assistant for singer Kelly Clarkson between 2016 and 2018. People magazine reports that her LinkedIn profile shows she took on the role of executive management assistant to Blackstock in late 2018.
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In June 2020, Jones relocated to Montana to work at V Bar B Cattle Co., a ranch owned by Blackstock. The move marked a significant career change, shifting her focus from media and performance industries to agricultural operations and livestock management.
Blackstock’s Marriage to Kelly Clarkson
Blackstock married Grammy-winning artist Kelly Clarkson in 2013, and the couple split their time between Tennessee and Montana while raising their two children. Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences, and the separation was finalized in 2022. The divorce included disputes over Montana properties, with Clarkson ultimately awarded ownership of one ranch.
Jones’ arrival in Montana happened during the same month Clarkson initiated divorce proceedings—an overlap that has led to speculation about the timing of Jones and Blackstock’s relationship. Neither party has commented publicly on the matter.
Shared Montana Enterprises
Headwaters Livestock Auction, located in Three Forks, Montana, lists Jones as its Managing Director. The company connects ranchers across the region, facilitating livestock sales. The obituary credits Jones and Blackstock with creating and expanding the business together.
The Valley View Rodeo, operating in Bozeman, is another joint venture associated with the pair. A 2023 promotional release named Jones as the main contact for the rodeo, which holds weekly summer events featuring traditional rodeo competitions such as bull riding and barrel racing.
Public and Media Reaction
The obituary marks the first public acknowledgment of Jones as Blackstock’s partner, and its timing has intensified interest in her role in his life. Entertainment outlets have reported on her professional and personal links to Blackstock, while discussions on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have revisited the timeline of events. Much of the online conversation remains speculative, focusing on how Jones’ move to Montana aligned with Clarkson’s separation from Blackstock.
