Kelly Clarkson eying to exit from 'grueling' NBC daytime show after unusual absence

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORIA: Kelly Clarkson is reportedly looking to leave her NBC daytime talk show when her contract expires next year.

The news has executives at the network working to find ways to keep her onboard, according to a report.

Kelly Clarkson wants to prioritize her children over her talk show

The development follows the singer’s nearly two-week unexplained absence from 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' last month.

At the time, reports indicated she had stepped away due to a "personal matter."

Multiple sources told Page Six that Clarkson, 42, wants to step away from her talk show to focus on her two children, River Rose, 10, and Remy, 8.

"Kelly’s number one priority is her children, and they always will be,” an industry insider said of the Texas-born singer.

“The show is grueling. It’s a whole lot of work, and I hear that Kelly would like to spend more time down South," the insider added.

During the 1,000th episode of 'The Kelly Clarkson Show,' which marked her return after her recent absences, Clarkson became emotional speaking about her children.

“On a personal level, I think the most meaningful change for me at least is my own family,” Clarkson said before a montage featuring her kids’ appearances on the show was played.

“I’ve actually never seen this,” she said while holding back tears. “So you’re crying. I’m not,” she then joked.

NBC wants to keep Kelly Clarkson involved despite possible exit

Clarkson has been open about her struggles following her divorce from Brandon Blackstock, and previously spoke about how difficult it was for her.

“Just to be brutally honest, I did not handle [the divorce] well,” the "Stronger" singer said in a June 2023 interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music.

NBC is eager to retain Clarkson for special programming, including 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center,' sources told the outlet.

When announcing a previous deal, Tracie Wilson, executive vice president of Syndication Studios and E! News at NBCUniversal, described Clarkson as a “national treasure.”

Since its launch the show has won 22 Daytime Emmys, including multiple awards for outstanding daytime talk series and host. The show also secured two People’s Choice Awards for best talk show of the year.

Reports linking Kelly Clarkson to 'Today' replacement denied

This week, sources previously denied claims that Clarkson would be joining Jenna Bush Hager on the 10 am.hour of 'Today' to replace Hoda Kotb.

An industry insider told the outlet that the speculation "does not make any sense."

"If she wants to spend more time with her kids, she certainly wouldn’t get that [at ‘Today’], and she’s never even guest co-hosted [‘Today with Jenna & Friends’],” the insider added.

Another source noted that the position would be just as demanding as her current role.