“American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson is grieving the loss of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who died at 48 after a quiet battle with cancer.
The tragic news came just a day after Clarkson abruptly canceled the remaining dates of her Las Vegas “Studio Sessions” residency, choosing to step away from the spotlight to focus on her children.
(Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for FIJI Water)“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 said in a statement on August 6.
As she navigates this deeply personal loss, let’s reflect on Clarkson’s family journey, one marked by heartbreak, healing & unwavering strength.
1. Heartbreak marked Kelly Clarkson’s Childhood
(photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)Kelly Clarkson was born on April 24, 1982, in Texas, as the youngest of three siblings. Her father, Stephen Clarkson, left the family when she was just six years old—an abandonment that inspired the emotional lyrics behind her 2004 hit “Because of You.”
Though the Grammy-winning singer made efforts to reconnect, she revealed, “I tried to repair [our relationship] a few times” before his death. That early trauma shaped Clarkson’s resilience—something that shines through in both her career & parenting style today.
2. Clarkson’s Kids Live Primarily With Her After Divorce
Kelly Clarkson shares two children, River Rose, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 9, with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. The couple first met in 2012 at Super Bowl XLVI & eloped a year later. However, after nearly seven years of marriage, Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020. The split was finalized in March 2022.
Since then, the children primarily reside with Clarkson. A source told People magazine, “She’s enjoying the fact that she has the kids for the vast majority of the time.” Another added, “She just wants to be with her children.”
3. River Rose Is Bold, Creative & Already a Star in the Making
Born on June 12, 2014, River Rose has always been in the spotlight. From riding in a Christmas parade with her mom at age 2 to inspiring Clarkson’s children’s book River Rose and the Magical Lullaby, River’s bold personality shines.
“She will run a company one day because there’s no way she’s gonna work for anyone,” Clarkson joked to People. Diagnosed with dyslexia, River faced bullying at school—something Clarkson shared in 2023. Actor Henry Winkler, also dyslexic, offered encouragement, telling River, “How you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are.”
River even appears on Clarkson’s 2023 album Chemistry, lending her voice to the track “You Don’t Make Me Cry.”
4. Remy Faced Early Health Hurdles but Is Thriving Today
River became a big sister when Remy was born on April 12, 2016. Early in his life, Remy had significant hearing issues, which led to delayed speech development. “We thought, almost, he was deaf because he spoke as if he was underwater,” Clarkson explained.
With treatment, Remy overcame the challenges and began forming complete sentences. “The big milestone for us is Remy getting to really find out his own personality,” Clarkson said.
In recent years, Remy has joined his mom on magical Disney trips & even served as her date to the 2024 Grammys, wearing a red velvet suit with a Lego boutonniere. Clarkson recalled, “He could care less that you’re in the room, and [River] wants everybody to know she’s in there.”
5. Kelly Prioritizes Therapy, Growth & Joy After Divorce
(Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS)Kelly Clarkson’s bond with Brandon Blackstock’s family ran deep, blending both personal ties and music industry roots. During her marriage, she became part of the prominent Blackstock lineage—Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, had been Kelly’s longtime manager and was previously married to country music legend Reba McEntire.
That made Reba Kelly’s former stepmother-in-law, and the two shared a warm, respectful relationship that extended beyond the stage. Over the years, Kelly and Reba performed together and expressed genuine admiration for one another.
Even after both marriages ended, Clarkson handled those shifts with grace, continuing to speak kindly about the family that had once felt like her own.
Raising two children in the public eye, especially amid divorce, hasn’t been easy. Clarkson has been candid about seeking child psychologists to help her kids navigate their emotions.
“We want to do it right,” she told Extra. “Everyone’s sad, and it’s okay to be sad.” During the pandemic, she also acknowledged the toll on children’s mental health, sharing how returning to school improved Remy’s disposition.
Despite life’s hurdles, Kelly Clarkson remains devoted to her children, their happiness, & creating a safe, loving home. And like her anthem says, she keeps getting stronger.
Now, Kelly is focused on what matters most, being present for her children as they navigate this tremendous loss together.
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Kelly Clarkson’s Kids & Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know