Kelly Clarkson Returns to Social Media After Brandon Blackstock Death

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Kelly Clarkson is singing a message of gratitude. 

The television host re-entered social media for the first time following the passing of her former husband, Brandon Blackstock. He was the father of their children, River (age 11) and Remington (age 9). With an emotional message, she commemorated a significant milestone: it has been 23 years since she won ‘American Idol.’

23 years ago, to everyone who took the time to call in and vote for me, I want to express my heartfelt thanks on Instagram, September 4. Winning American Idol marked a significant change in my life, and I will always be grateful for your unwavering support through the years.

She expressed gratitude for the life she’s built for herself, saying, “Discovering one’s purpose and passion is like finding a treasure. Adding the ability to earn a living from it just makes it even sweeter. I am eternally grateful.

The significant event occurred during a challenging period for her family, as Blackstock’s representative announced on August 7 that he had passed away at the age of 48 after a long struggle with cancer.

Clarkson, whose NBC show is set to return on September 29, announced that she will delay performances from her Las Vegas residency to spend time with her children. She also discussed the health issues of her former spouse.

Usually, I prefer to keep my personal matters private, but lately, my children’s father has been unwell, and right now, I must focus all my attention on them. I deeply regret that I have to cancel the upcoming shows, and I am truly grateful for your understanding and compassion.

43-year-old Clarkson and Blackstock (who also have children Savannah, 23, and Seth, 18 together with ex Melissa Ashworth) parted ways in 2020 after seven years of marriage, officially ending their union two years later. When the split occurred, the accomplished singer emphasized that the wellbeing of their kids remained their top priority.

In his 2023 IRL podcast episode, Clarkson shared that he regularly inquires from his kids during their nightly bedtime snuggles, “Are you content? If not, what might bring more joy to you?” He emphasized the importance of open communication with them, acknowledging that their feelings and emotions are significant despite their age. In simpler terms, Clarkson said he asks his kids about their happiness every night and tries to understand their feelings in a way that respects their age but also recognizes the depth of their emotions.

During the time apart, Clarkson acknowledged experiencing profound emotions, sharing with her children that despite this, her affection for their father would remain constant. She commented, “I’m not sure if that feeling ever fades.

Certainly, she expressed how deeply she was connected to her former partner and their shared past, remarking that it was a cosmic coincidence that she sang “I Will Always Love You,” a Dolly Parton song, at the 57th ACM Awards mere days after finalizing her divorce in 2022.

In her recollection during an interview with SiriusXM in 2023, she expressed, “That incident was a massive breakthrough for me, yet it was largely unknown to others.

Over the span of approximately ten years, Clarkson expressed profound expressions of love towards Blackstock during their romantic relationship. One of her most notable demonstrations was writing the song “Piece by Piece” for him shortly after the birth of River in 2014. The song was subsequently released a year later.

Clarkson shared that the inspiration for the song came from recognizing her husband as an exceptional father. She put it this way: “I realized how amazing he is as a dad – changing diapers, staying up late with our child, even waking up early if I’ve had a late night. It’s clear we make a great team, and I felt incredibly grateful for him.

Despite modifying the lyrics post-divorce in 2023 to acknowledge herself instead of Blackstock, Clarkson’s song still focuses significantly on family values.

Clarkson explained to Glamour that she now comprehends the full implications of having a child. The song might sound melancholic, but it carries a positive message.

In the song, Clarkson expresses her renewed belief that a man can be compassionate and a father should be exceptional, and she does so about Blackstock, as the lyrics go: “Piece by piece / He rebuilds my trust / That a man can show kindness / And a father should excel.

Keep reading for a look back at Blackstock’s life in photos… 

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2025-09-05 03:18