Sources tell PEOPLE that Blackstock, who was previously married to Kelly Clarkson, moved to Montana three years ago, when he was diagnosed, and bought the home in Butte where he died. In a statement announcing his death, a rep for the family echoed Hollis's statement, and also noted that Blackstock was "surrounded by family" when he died.

"Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years," a representative for his family said in a statement.

Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, cherished his last months in the calm of Montana, where he felt truly "at home,” according to a report. Blackstock, who once managed the singer's career,