Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has died of cancer. He was 48.

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," a representative for the Blackstock family told CNN in a statement Thursday. "Brandon heroically fought cancer for over three years. He died quietly, surrounded by family.

According to the statement, "We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family`s privacy during this very difficult time."