Kelly Clarkson ‘remained protective’ of ex Brandon Blackstock during cancer battle despite bitter divorce

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kelly Clarkson is mourning the loss of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who died at the age of 48 following a three-year battle with cancer.

The singer is focusing on their children as she processes the emotional weight of his death.

Despite their turbulent divorce, Clarkson was reportedly supportive behind the scenes as Blackstock’s health worsened.

Kelly Clarkson is ‘devastated for the kids’ after Brandon Blackstock’s death

Clarkson and Blackstock share two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander.

“Kelly remained protective of him when she found out he was sick,” a source told People.

“She’s always kept things classy, even when it became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids," added the source.

The two married in 2013, but their relationship ended in a high-profile divorce that began in 2020. 

Kelly Clarkson prioritized children during and after difficult divorce from Brandon Blackstock

The divorce between Clarkson and Blackstock was lengthy and messy, involving disputes over property and finances.

She has also admitted to struggling with the divorce in several appearances and podcasts. But throughout it all, Clarkson worked to preserve her children’s emotional well-being.

“The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful and something she felt terrible about,” the source said.

“But she never wanted her kids to be caught in the crossfire. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to them.”

Their divorce was finalized in March 2022. Clarkson was ordered to pay Blackstock more than $1.3 million in a one-time settlement, in addition to monthly spousal and child support.

Brandon Blackstock’s family says he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones

Following his death on Thursday, a representative for Blackstock’s family released a statement confirming his death.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the statement read.

“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. 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.”

Just one day before the announcement, Clarkson posted an update on Instagram saying she had to cancel upcoming Las Vegas shows due to a family emergency.

“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” Clarkson wrote. “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father [ex-husband Brandon Blackstock] has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s legal issues continued after divorce

Clarkson met Blackstock in 2006 during rehearsals for the Academy of Country Music Awards. They began dating years later and married in October 2013. Their daughter was born in 2014, followed by their son in 2016.

After filing for divorce in 2020, Clarkson gained ownership of their Montana ranch following a court battle.

In 2023, she was awarded more than $2.6 million in a separate lawsuit against Blackstock, who was found to have unlawfully procured work for her while serving as her manager.

In March 2024, Clarkson filed another legal complaint, asserting she could be owed more money. However, both parties dropped their claims by May 2024, months before Blackstock’s death.