Kelly Clarkson reveals how Dolly Parton ‘caught’ her 30 minutes after divorce was finalized

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kelly Clarkson recalled a wholesome moment she shared with late music icon Dolly Parton. During a podcast, the 'American Idol' winner recalled that her backstage moments with Parton were simply “beautiful” and really “helpful,” just 30 minutes after her divorce was finalized.

Clarkson shared that Parton's interaction was something she would never forget. Parton's death has left almost everyone in Hollywood emotional. She died at the age of 80 on August 25.

Kelly Clarkson recalls ‘beautiful’ moment with Dolly Parton

Clarkson opened up about the emotional moment while appearing on 'Las Culturistas' podcast on Wednesday, September 30. The 'Stronger' singer recalled performing a version of “I Will Always Love You” to honor Parton at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2022.

Clarkson said “not many people knew” that her divorce from the late Brandon Blackstock was finalized just 30 minutes before she took the stage. “She, kind of, caught me,” Clarkson said of Parton. “We were having a conversation about something else, and I was like, ‘I’m sorry. It’s just kind of a wild moment for me.’”

She said it was a “crazy” experience given what she was going through at that point in her life. Clarkson said she and Parton “had this moment backstage,” though she did not share many details. “She’s just one of those people you don’t have to know your whole life, but you can in one instance.”

“Every time we ran into each other, she was so cool. It’s like you’re catching up with an old friend,” Clarkson continued. “That moment for me and what she said backstage to me was just a really beautiful thing, and really helpful.”

Clarkson told herself that “you cannot break” because it was “a tribute to someone.” The 'Voice' coach added, “So much had just been lifted. It was just a really weird hour for me. But, anyway, she was very, very cool, and I’ll never forget that moment.”

Kelly Clarkson’s journey with Brandon Blackstock

Clarkson was married to Blackstock for nearly seven years. The couple separated in 2020 and finalized their divorce after a lengthy legal battle. She was granted custody of their two children, River and Remy.

Although Clarkson and Blackstock remained in contact, their relationship came to an end with Blackstock’s death at the age of 48 in August 2025 following a year-long illness.

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

“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.”

“There’s so much loss with that, and I’d never experienced grief like that,” she told Zane Lowe on Apple Music about the split. “But I also think it’s very freeing to go, ‘We got to let each other go.’”