Kelly Clarkson has shared an update on how her children are coping five months after her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock he died at the age of 48 from cancer.
The voice The trainer, 43, spoke briefly about how he’s supporting her and Blackstock’s daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9, during a backstage Q&A video for The Kelly Clarkson Showwhich was published on Saturday, January 10. Clarkson explained that her favorite activity to do each day is “cuddle” with her children.
“My kids, they’re 9 and 11. It’s kind of that fun, special stage where they can wipe each other’s behinds, but they’re still young enough to love each other and caress and wet each other,” she explained. “There’s been a lot going on for our family recently, so I’ve been letting my kids sleep in with me a little bit.”
Clarkson continued, “It’s my two dogs, my two kids, and me. It’s a lot. It’s been really special, though, because … the conversations you have during that time are so beautiful. So that’s probably my favorite time of the day.”
Kelly Clarkson kept her children in mind as she navigated her late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s secret battle with cancer, a source exclusively told Us Weekly. “Even though they went through an acrimonious divorce, Kelly made a conscious decision to protect Brandon’s privacy until the end for the sake of her family,” the source explains. “He (…)
Blackstock died in August 2025 after a three-year battle with cancer. The first indication that Blackstock was ill came that same month when Clarkson postponed her “Studio Session” concerts at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
“Unfortunately, I have to postpone the rest of the August studio session dates in Las Vegas,” he said in a statement at the time. “Although I usually keep my personal life private, in the past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this time, I have to be fully present for them.”
The American Idol alum concluded, “I’m so sorry for everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I really appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
A day later, Blackstock’s family released a statement confirming that he had died after a long battle with cancer.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely fought cancer for over three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,” a family spokesperson said. Us Weekly. “We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson in January 2020.
Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesClarkson stepped away from her daytime talk show and continued filming The Voice to support her children, although she finally returned to work in September 2025.
Meanwhile, we informed in August 2025 about how Blackstock’s illness led him to build bridges with Clarkson after their contentious 2022 divorce. A source said we that Blackstock’s cancer diagnosis “changed (his and Clarkson’s) perspectives,” even if it didn’t necessarily bring them closer.
“Co-parenting wasn’t easy for Kelly because she was the one who had to transport the kids, so it was really her life that was always turned upside down,” the source added. “She’s their main mom (to the kids). But that was catastrophic for them, so immediately Kelly went into mom mode and focused on the kids and how they were coping.”
Although Clarkson has largely avoided addressing Blackstock’s death in public, her former mother-in-law, Reba McEntirehe said Entertainment tonight on the red carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards that her entire family “misses (Blackstock) every minute.” (McEntire was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstockfrom 1989 to 2015. Brandon and his siblings Chassidy and Shawna were from Narvel’s first marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritterwith whom he was between 1973 and 1988.)
“The kids are doing well, they’re all pulling together and hanging out with each other, and taking it one day at a time,” McEntire, 70, said in September 2025. “We know God has it.”
Reba McEntire and Brandon Blackstock’s father, Narvel Blackstock, separated a decade ago, but the country superstar was still there for the family in the months leading up to Brandon’s death. “Reba has spent more time with the Blackstock crew over the past year than in previous years,” an insider tells Us Weekly exclusively, adding that (…)
Apart from his two children with Clarkson, Blackstock shared daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, with his ex-wife. Melissa Ashworth.
In December 2025, McEntire paid tribute to his late stepson on what would have been his 49th birthday.
“Happy Birthday Brandon! We love and miss you so much,” the “Fancy” singer wrote via Instagram, along with a throwback photo of the pair.