Kelly Clarkson is putting motherhood first in the wake of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s passing. Blackstock, 48, died on August 7 after a private three-year battle with cancer, leaving behind two children, River (11) and Remington (9), whom he shared with Clarkson.
A source close to the singer revealed that Clarkson had known about Blackstock’s illness and, despite their contentious divorce, remained protective of him for the sake of their children. “She’s been devastated for the kids,” the insider said, adding that Clarkson never spoke negatively about their father in front of them.
Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020 after seven years of marriage, finalizing the split two years later. Since then, she’s remained focused on shielding her kids from conflict and prioritizing their emotional wellbeing. “I ask my kids every night, ‘Are you happy?’” she said in a past interview. “I want them to feel safe and loved.”
In response to Blackstock’s decline, Clarkson postponed her Las Vegas residency and stepped back from filming episodes of The Kelly Clarkson Show, explaining she needed to be “fully present” for her children.
As she continues to navigate grief alongside River and Remy, Clarkson’s quiet strength is a reminder of the power of parenting through love, loss, and resilience.
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