Sometimes life throws a curveball so heavy, even the strongest hearts feel it shake. That’s what Kelly Clarkson is going through right now.
The singer and talk show host is navigating an overwhelming wave of emotions after the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock—a loss that’s left her not only grieving but also trying to support their two young children through the heartbreak.
A Private Battle That Ended in Heartbreak
Brandon Blackstock, 48, had been quietly battling cancer for more than three years.
His death was announced by his devastated family on Thursday, marking the end of a long, private struggle.
Brandon, who once managed Clarkson’s career and was the stepson of country legend Reba McEntire, was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments.
Grieving as a Mom First
For Kelly, the grief is layered. Not only is she mourning a man she once shared her life and career with, but she’s also trying to help their children—River, 11, and Remington, 9—make sense of a devastating loss.
A source close to Clarkson told the Daily Mail that the situation has turned her world upside down.
“She’s always been an amazing mom, but now she’s in full-on mom mode,” the insider explained.
“She’s doing everything she can to stay strong for her kids, even while feeling completely lost herself.”
Trying to Stay Strong for the Kids
The emotional toll isn’t something Clarkson can brush off.
According to the insider, this loss will stay with her for a long time.
“She’s trying to keep things together, but it’s heartbreaking,” the source shared.
“It’s going to take a while for the happy, energetic Kelly we all know to find her way back.”
Absence From Her Show Was a Sign
Earlier this year, Clarkson mysteriously stepped away from The Kelly Clarkson Show for several weeks, missing a total of 10 episodes.
While fans were left wondering why, it’s now clear that behind the scenes, she was already dealing with her ex-husband’s health crisis.
Colleagues from the show have since rallied around her. “Everyone here loves Kelly.
We’ve got her back—no questions asked,” one show source said.
“Even though they were no longer together, you could tell this was going to hit her deeply.
She’s incredibly empathetic and sensitive to others’ pain.”
Postponing Vegas to Be Present for Her Kids
Just hours before the news of Blackstock’s passing broke, Clarkson had posted a message explaining she was postponing the rest of her August Las Vegas shows.
She kept it simple but emotional: “My children’s father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”
Her focus, clearly, was on being a mom first.
A Complicated Love and Legal History
Clarkson and Blackstock’s love story began in 2012 and led to marriage a year later.
Professionally, they worked closely together—he managed her career for years. But by 2020, things had fallen apart.
Clarkson filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
The split turned messy, with drawn-out legal battles over finances and commissions.
In March 2022, their divorce was finalized, but it wasn’t the end of their court disputes.
A year later, Clarkson was awarded $2.6 million after a labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock had overstepped his role as her manager by performing tasks meant for licensed agents.
Legal Settlement Came Just Last Year
Even after the judgment, Clarkson pushed for a deeper accounting of commissions dating back even further.
Eventually, by May 2024, the two reached a private settlement.
Though the final terms weren’t disclosed, it marked a legal end to a long, emotionally taxing chapter.
As part of the divorce settlement, Clarkson had previously paid Blackstock a $1.3 million lump sum, and they agreed she would provide $45,601 per month in child support.
Brandon’s Life Beyond Clarkson
Blackstock was also a father to two older children—Savannah and Seth—from a previous marriage. He even had a grandson, Lake.
His final public appearance was in March, when he attended the Houston Rodeo with their children, his brother Shelby, and Reba McEntire.
Brandon was the son of film producer Narvel Blackstock, who was married to McEntire for over two decades.
Together, they share Shelby Blackstock.
A Loss That Will Linger
While Clarkson and Blackstock’s relationship had its share of turmoil, his death is deeply personal and painful for her.
He was once a life partner, the father of her children, and someone who shared years of memories with her—good and bad.
As Clarkson steps into this new phase, juggling her public career and private grief, it’s clear that her priority remains the same: being there for River and Remington.
The strength it takes to do that, while healing herself, is no small feat.