Life has thrown yet another challenge at Kelly Clarkson.
The singer, 43, is grieving the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away on August 7 after a three-year battle with cancer.
But the heartbreak doesn’t stop there—Clarkson is also dealing with revelations about Blackstock’s romantic life after their separation, adding a complicated layer to her mourning.
A Marriage and Divorce in the Spotlight
Clarkson and Blackstock, 48, tied the knot in 2013 but ended up separating seven years later.
She filed for divorce in 2020, and after two years of legal proceedings, it was finalized in 2022. Together, they share two children: River, 11, and Remy, 9.
Despite their shared history, Clarkson wasn’t mentioned in Blackstock’s obituary—a sharp reminder of how their paths had diverged.
New Relationships and Lingering Hurt
The obituary revealed that, at the time of his passing, Blackstock had been in a relationship with Brittney Marie Jones, who was previously Clarkson’s assistant.
While Clarkson had been aware of the relationship, it still stung.
An insider told the Daily Mail that Blackstock moving on with someone “Kelly knew and trusted” was particularly painful, calling it “the icing on the cake of the disappointment she felt over the delusion of their marriage.”
The insider added, “He was a great father, but wasn’t a great husband,” highlighting the complexity of their history.
Clarkson has always cited “irreconcilable differences” in her divorce filings, keeping the full reasons private, though it’s suggested the split was a clear “point of no return” for her.
Prioritizing Family Amid Challenges
Despite the disappointment, Clarkson reportedly holds no ill will toward Jones.
The insider noted that she wants to avoid any unnecessary drama from her fanbase and has focused on her children.
“When Brandon dealt more and more with his cancer, Kelly’s only goal was to make sure her kids were OK and to let him live his personal life any way he wanted to live it,” the source said.
Their relationship as co-parents appears civil. “Kelly knew that Brittney wasn’t going to be a problem with her and her kids; there was never a misunderstanding between them,” the insider confirmed.
Legal Battles After Divorce
Clarkson’s separation from Blackstock wasn’t without complications.
She sued him for allegedly making unauthorized business deals on her behalf while acting as her talent manager.
That dispute was settled in May 2024 after the California Labor Commissioner ruled in her favor, awarding her $2.6 million in commissions.
As part of their divorce settlement in 2022, Clarkson had already paid Blackstock a $1.3 million lump sum and agreed to monthly child support of $45,601.
Brandon’s Final Chapter
After the legal disputes, Blackstock quietly began a new life with Jones in Montana.
His obituary described their partnership in life and business, highlighting their work on Headwaters Livestock Auction and The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana—a legacy he left behind.
For Clarkson, the focus remains firmly on her children, navigating the mix of grief, past disappointments, and moving forward while honoring the complicated chapters of her past.