Kelly Clarkson on coping with the tragic loss of a child’s father to cancer
Kelly Clarkson knows the value of a good hug.
In a new behind-the-scenes video on The Kelly Clarkson Show‘s YouTube channel, the 43-year-old talk show host answered questions from viewers, including one from a fan who asked the Texas native to share something she does every day that makes her happy. RadarOnline.com can reveal.
“Cuddles,” the mother of daughter River Rose and son Remington quickly responded, explaining that her children are in a good position.
“My kids are 9 and 11. Kind of a special, fun stage where they can wipe their own butts, but they’re still small enough to love cuddling and snuggling.”
Clarkson went on to explain that she has adopted the controversial practice of co-sleeping.
“I let my kids sleep with me for a while,” she revealed. “It’s my two dogs, my two kids and me.”
Although she may lose sleep with all those little bodies in her bed, the American Idol The vet believes it has helped her young family. “It’s a lot,” she admitted, adding, “It was really special, though, because… the conversations you have during that time are kind of cute.”
Although some may have had a hard time too. It’s been six months since the August 7 death of Brandon Blackstock, the children’s father and Clarkson’s ex, who died at the age of 48 after secretly battling cancer for more than three years.
It was a complicated period for Clarkson, who had waged a bitter legal battle with Blackstock, her former manager, over commissions from her work. At the same time, her children faced heartbreaking loss.
“Kelly was extremely compassionate toward Brandon when he was sick,” the source said RadarOnline.com. “She put all the bad blood aside and did her utmost to make his final days as comfortable and non-confrontational as possible.”
The day before his death the Because of you singer even announced on Instagram that she would be postponing her Las Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace “to be fully present” for their children.
“Kelly goes out of her way and says good things about Brandon, especially when it comes to the kids,” the source said. “Yes, they had a terrible breakup, but there were also very special times, memories that she will rightly cherish.”
In 2012, Clarkson began dating Blackstock, the son of her former manager Narvel Blackstock and a former stepson of her boyfriend Reba McEntire.
The couple married in 2013 in what she called an “emotional” private affair, after which she became stepmother to Brandon’s two children from his first marriage.
After seven years and two children of their own, the marriage was over in 2020.
“It’s horrible,” Kelly said of the divorce. “There are so many hard parts. The hardest part for me is the kids.”
Money was also a problem.
In the ugly split, the Since you left The singer, who is now worth an estimated $50 million, was forced to pay her ex-husband a one-time sum of $1.3 million. Their 2022 settlement also stipulated that she must pay more than $115,000 per month in spousal support and $45,000 per month in child support until January 31, 2024.
“Kelly found the divorce so heartbreaking,” the source said. “She hated breaking up their family, but ultimately the relationship was beyond repair, so she felt there was no other choice.”
Now that he’s gone, Clarkson is tasked with keeping Brandon’s memory alive for her children. “Despite all his faults, he was an extremely loving, protective father,” the source said.
“They and the children remember the special moments they shared, looking at photos and home videos to try to honor him in whatever way they can.”
After a brief hiatus from her talk show following Brandon’s death, Clarkson returned to the air in late September.
“Her goal now, as always has been, is to protect the children as best she can,” the source said.
A few months after her return, Clarkson decided to wrap up her talk show gig after the current season.
In addition to helping her children grieve the loss of their father, the three-time Grammy winner has also been working on healing herself.
“There’s no doubt that Kelly is still pretty scarred by how awful the marriage to Brandon turned out. She’s been very open about it,” the source said.
“The divorce was tumultuous and took a huge toll on her, but as time goes on the wounds continue to heal so she is getting there slowly but surely.”
As she snuggles in bed with her little ones, the source said, “She will forever be grateful that Brandon gave her a beautiful family.”
