A source close to Kelly Clarkson has shared how she’s helping her kids handle the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
Blackstock died on August 7
The talent manager passed away on Thursday, August 7, at the age of 48, after a three-year-long cancer battle.
Blackstock and Clarkson share two kids, River, 11, and Remington, 9.
A source has shared how they’re holding up
A source close to Clarkson, who was married to Blackstock for nine years, said she’s “been devastated” for her kids by the death of their father, per People.
“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” the source said.
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She’s prioritizing her kids
The source added, “Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids.”
She remains prioritizing her kids in the wake of their father’s death.
Clarkson canceled her tour
The singer-songwriter canceled her tour a day before the announcement of Blackstock’s death due to his health.
She said on Instagram, “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”
The two separated after almost a decade
Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock in 2020 after seven years of marriage, with their divorce being finalized two years later in 2022.
Although the divorce was messy, with the two being involved in various legal proceedings, Clarkson made sure to keep a good connection with Blackstoke for their kids, the source said.
The divorce was difficult but she kept things classy
“The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful and something she felt terrible about,” the source shared.
“But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.”
She previously opened up about co-parenting
Clarkson previously opened up about co-parenting with Blackstoke in a 2023 appearance on Angie Martinez’s IRL podcast where she reiterated that her children and how they’re feeling are her top priority.
“I ask my kids every night when we’re snuggling and I put them to bed, ‘Are you happy? And if you’re not, what could make you happier?’” she said at the time.
The kids are honest with her about it
Clarkson went on, “Especially the past two years … it kills me [but] I want them to be honest so I don’t ever say, ‘Oh God, don’t tell me that,’ but a lot of times it would be like, ‘I’m just really sad. I wish Mommy and Daddy were in the same house.’”
“They’re really honest about it. I’m raising that kind of individual.”
