Surprising new details are coming to light following the death of Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, last week at 48. An obituary for the late talent manager revealed that Blackstock was “building a life” with Clarkson’s former assistant, Brittney Marie Jones, as he lost his battle with cancer.

Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, died from skin cancer three years after being diagnosed. Dan Hollis, the coroner for Silver Bow County in Montana, confirmed Blackstock had died from melanoma in a Monday statement to People magazine. The manner of death was natural causes.