After years of fighting, Brandon Blackstock has finally moved out of Kelly Clarkson’s Montana ranch. Although the talent manager bought his own property nearby, it pales in comparison to the farm that Brandon tried to claim in their divorce.
According to Us Weekly, Brandon purchased a $1.8 million home in Butte, Montana month before his divorce with Kelly was finalized in March after two years of contentious litigation.
He also renamed his cattle ranching business to V Bar V Cattle Co. (it was formerly Vintage Valley Ranch). The publication notes he plans to become a full-time rancher.
With a new home to his name, Brandon officially moved out of Kelly’s ranch earlier this month. When the pair finalized their divorce, it was agreed Brandon could remain on the property until June, though he was ordered to pay $12,500 in rent and to cover all utility costs.
However, Kelly was saddled with an even larger bill following the divorce. The American Idol alum has to pay her ex-husband $115,000 in spousal support until 2024. She must also give Brandon $45,000 in child support, though their two children remain in her primary custody. To top it off, Kelly also had to make a one-time payment to Brandon of $1.3 million.
The singer initially tried to sell the Montana ranch in April 2021 during their divorce. She called it a “financial burden” with a $81,000 monthly upkeep. However, Brandon blocked Kelly’s request by claiming the ranch was “marital property,” even though she had bought it in 2019 for $10.4 million with her own money.
Eventually, a judge ruled that the specifics of the former couple’s prenup determined the ranch belonged solely to Kelly. Now that Brandon has moved out, she’s free to sell it, live in it, or do whatever she wants with the property.
Kelly originally filed for divorce in 2020 after seven years of marriage. The songstress cited irreconcilable differences in the filing.
"I've been talking to friends that have been through a divorce," Kelly said on her talk show in June about the divorce. "I don't know how people go through that without having some kind of outlet because it is the worst thing ever for everyone involved."
She added that “female friendships” helped her get through the break-up. Kelly now resides primarily in Los Angeles where her show is filmed, while Brandon manages his ranch business in Montana.