Singer Kelly Clarkson has spent the past year supporting her two young children, River, 12, and Remington, 10, as they navigate the loss of their ex-husband and father, Brandon Blackstock, who died in August 2025. A source close to Clarkson told Page Six that it has been an "incredibly emotional year" for the family, emphasizing that losing a parent at a young age is a profound challenge.
Clarkson's primary focus has been ensuring her children feel "loved, supported and as stable as possible," while also allowing them the space to grieve individually. The singer and Blackstock, a former talent manager, divorced in 2022 after a public separation that involved protracted legal disputes over custody, spousal support, and their Montana ranch.
Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020, and the proceedings concluded with a settlement in March 2022. Blackstock was ordered to vacate their Montana property by June 2022. He died at age 48 from melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, after a more than three-year battle with the disease. A family representative confirmed his passing, stating he died peacefully surrounded by family.
While the past year has been marked by grief, the source indicated that Clarkson is moving forward and has gained a new perspective. "She's in a much better place than she was during the divorce years," the insider said. This shift has allowed her to re-engage with her career, including a new music single, "I'd Be Lyin'," released in July 2026, and a Las Vegas residency that runs through August 15.
Clarkson also announced in February 2026 that her daytime talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," would conclude after seven seasons. She explained that stepping away from the daily show schedule was a decision made to prioritize her children and family, providing her with the time and flexibility needed. The final episodes of the show are set to air in the fall of 2026.