Kelly Clarkson continues to put her children first as they navigate life following the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
Nearly one year after Blackstock died following a battle with melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, a source told Page Six that Clarkson has devoted herself to helping their children, daughter River, 12, and son Remington “Remy,” 10, through an incredibly difficult period.
Sources Reveal How Clarkson Is Helping Her Children
“It’s been an incredibly emotional year for Kelly and the kids,” the source said. “Losing a parent at such a young age is something no child should ever have to go through. Kelly has done everything she can to be there for River and Remy as they’ve navigated that loss.”
According to the insider, Clarkson’s priority has remained creating a stable environment for her family while allowing both children to grieve in their own way.
“Her focus has been making sure they feel loved, supported and as stable as possible while giving them the space to grieve in their own way,” the source added.
The update comes months after the “American Idol” winner announced that the current season of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” would be its last after seven seasons.
While the decision marked the end of a successful daytime television chapter, it also allowed the Grammy-winning singer more time with her family.
“Stepping away from her daytime show wasn’t an easy decision because she genuinely loved it, but it gave her the time and flexibility she needed to put her family first,” the insider explained.
Clarkson and Blackstock married in 2013 before separating in 2020. Their divorce, finalized in 2022, followed a lengthy legal battle involving custody arrangements, and numerous financial matters.
Clarkson filed for divorce in June 2020 after nearly seven years of marriage. Later that year, she was awarded primary custody of River and Remy. The former couple finalized their divorce in March 2022, and Blackstock was ordered to vacate the Montana property by June of that year.
Blackstock died on Aug. 7, 2025, at age 48 after privately battling melanoma for three years.
Clarkson Previously Gave an Update on Her Kids
Earlier this year, Clarkson briefly opened up about how her children were coping during a Q&A posted to “The Kelly Clarkson Show” YouTube channel.
“My kids, they’re 9 and 11,” she said in the Jan. 10 video. “They’re that special little fun stage where they can wipe their own behinds, but they’re still small enough to, like, love cuddling and love snuggles.”
She then acknowledged how much their family had been through.
“There’s been a lot for our family recently, and so I have allowed my kids to sleep with me quite a bit.”
Clarkson said those quiet moments together have become especially meaningful.
“It’s my two dogs, my two kids and me,” she shared. “It’s a lot. It’s been really special, though, because the conversations you have during that time are pretty cute. So that’s probably my favorite time of day.”
Just before Blackstock’s death, Clarkson also postponed her Las Vegas residency to be with her children during his illness.
“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,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows, and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
As Clarkson continues moving forward, those close to the singer say her focus remains exactly where it has been all year: helping River and Remy feel supported, loved and surrounded by family as they continue healing together.
