Kelly Clarkson’s top priority is her kids after her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s death.
The “Since U Been Gone” singer, 43, has “been devastated” for her daughter, River, 11, and son Remington, 9, whom she shared with Blackstock, ever since their father was diagnosed with cancer over three years ago.
The talent manager died on Thursday, August 7, at age 48, following a yearslong private battle with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” a source told People after Blackstock’s passing.
“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,” they added.
Clarkson married Blackstock in 2013.
The Grammy winner filed for divorce in 2020 after seven years of marriage. Following a two-year battle, which had several ups and downs, Clarkson and Blackstock settled their divorce in 2022.
While the insider acknowledged that their divorce “was incredibly difficult for her,” they stressed the significance of Clarkson wanting her children to remain close with their father.
Calling the split and legal battle “messy, painful and something she felt terrible about,” the source added, “But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.”
In 2023, the singer-songwriter got candid about co-parenting, noting that her children’s happiness has always been her main concern.
“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?’” Clarkson said 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,’ 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.”
The “Breakaway” singer continued, “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.’”
Blackstock’s loved ones announced his death on Thursday, just hours after Clarkson abruptly canceled the remaining August shows of her Las Vegas residency, Studio Sessions.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,” his family said in a statement obtained by The Post.
“He passed away peacefully and was 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,” they added.
On Wednesday, Clarkson postponed her shows for the second time since her residency started at Caesars Palace last month, citing Blackstock’s health issues and noting she needed to be there for their daughter and son.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” Clarkson wrote on her Instagram, just two days before her Friday, August 8 performance.
“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 singer explained.
“I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
Clarkson has been noticeably absent from her duties this year, with speculation about her personal life swirling after she missed 10 episodes of her talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” in March.
Sources later confirmed to Page Six about Blackstock’s secret cancer battle, revealing that his ex had been pulling double duty behind the scenes, caring for him.
“It’s been exhausting and so sad,” a source told Page Six. “Kelly has been working so hard, as well as looking after Brandon. Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father.”
The “American Idol” winner met her ex while rehearsing for the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2006, when Blackstock’s father, Narvel, was her manager.
At the time, Blackstock was married to Melissa Ashworth.
He reconnected with Clarkson in 2012, the same year his divorce was final, at the Super Bowl, where she was singing the national anthem.
The pair married in October 2013, before welcoming daughter River in June 2014 and son Remington in April 2016.
Clarkson and Blackstock’s divorce was contentious, with the former lovers fighting over money, custody and property.
However, the battle came to an end in March 2022, when a judge granted Blackstock $115,000 per month in spousal support until January 2024. He was also awarded a monthly amount of $45,600 in child support.
Besides the two children he shares with Clarkson, Blackstock leaves behind another daughter, Savannah, who’s in her 20s, and son Seth, 18, both from his first marriage.
