Brandon Blackstock Remembered as a ‘Devoted Father’ to His 4 Kids

Brandon Blackstock is being remembered as a devoted father.

In his obituary, the former talent manager, who died at age 48 from cancer on Aug. 7, was memorialized as a doting father to his four children — daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9, who he shares with ex-wife Kelly Clarkson, and daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, who he shares with ex-wife Melissa Ashworth.

“But never did his star shine brighter than in his role as a father,” the obituary read. “Nothing mattered to Brandon more than his four beautiful children, Savannah, Seth, River and Remy.”

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“To say he was devoted seems cliché. It feels like an overused word, but it is the correct word. He was a devoted father. His four children were and will always be his greatest love and his greatest legacy.”

“Then came his grandchildren…Lake, Julie and LouCasey — who is on the way. They made him a ‘Pa’…and he was born to be a ‘Pa.'”

A rep for Blackstock’s family confirmed to PEOPLE that he died on Aug. 7.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the statement read. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

After Blackstock’s death, a source told PEOPLE that Clarkson has “been devastated” for her kids as her late ex-husband privately faced cancer over the last three years. “When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” the source said.

“Kelly has always tried to keep things classy,” the source continued. “It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids.”

A second source told PEOPLE that after Blackstock’s death, Clarkson is “staying strong” for her kids, adding that she’s “heartbroken” for them.

“Kelly and Brandon had their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, he was the father of her children and she is absolutely heartbroken for them,” the source said. “Her kids are her entire world, and she’s staying strong for their sake.”