Kelly Clarkson Shares Heartfelt Moments with Kids During Holidays After Brandon Blackstock’s Passing

Kelly Clarkson and her children; Brandon Blackstock.
Credit:

Michael Buckner/Variety/Getty; Taylor Hill/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Kelly Clarkson is focused on staying "present" with her kids following ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s death.
• An insider reveals that the singer is "heartbroken" for her children after their father’s passing in August 2025.
• Blackstock died from melanoma at the age of 48 after a three-year private battle with cancer.

Kelly Clarkson is prioritizing her role as a mother following the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. Sources indicate that the 43-year-old singer is devoted to remaining emotionally available for her children during this challenging period.

According to an insider, Clarkson is "heartbroken" for her kids, who are grieving the loss of their father, who passed away in August 2025 from melanoma. After a three-year struggle with the disease, Blackstock succumbed at age 48.

"Kelly is obviously heartbroken for her kids. Losing their dad is incredibly painful and confusing," noted the unnamed source. "But she’s also very grounded. She’s not someone who falls apart. She looks at life realistically and does everything she can to make things as steady and loving as possible for her kids."

The source emphasized that Clarkson’s "focus is to be present for her kids," adding, "she’s a great mom."

Kelly Clarkson and her children.

Kelly Clarkson/Instagram

A family representative announced Blackstock’s death on August 7, stating that he had "bravely battled cancer for more than three years."

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," read the statement. "He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time."

In the wake of this loss, sources indicate that Clarkson has been "devastated" for her children throughout Blackstock’s battle with cancer. "When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake," the source explained. "She’s been devastated for the kids."

Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock in 2020 after seven years of marriage, finalizing their split two years later. Despite a tumultuous divorce marked by legal disputes, Clarkson recognized the significance of her children’s relationship with their father.

"The divorce was incredibly difficult for her—messy, painful, and something she felt terrible about," the source said. "But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids."

Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson.
Kevin Mazur/Getty

In 2023, Clarkson discussed co-parenting with Blackstock, emphasizing her commitment to her children’s emotional well-being. "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 shared on Angie Martinez’s IRL podcast. "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.’"

She added, "I just sit there and I’m like, ‘I get it. I’m from a divorced family as well. I get it. That sucks. But we’re going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us.’"