Kelly Clarkson gives update on her children after ex-husband’s death

Kelly Clarkson Shared an Update on How Her Kids Are Faring Five Months After Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock died at age 48 of cancer.

THE Voice The coach, 43, briefly spoke about how she supports her, Blackstock’s daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9, during a behind-the-scenes Q&A video The Kelly Clarkson Showwhich was released on Saturday January 10. Clarkson said her favorite thing to do each day is “snuggle up” with her children.

“My kids, they’re 9 and 11. Kind of a special little fun scene where they can wipe their butts, but they’re still little enough to like hugs and cuddles,” she explained. “There’s been a lot going on for our family lately, and so I’ve allowed my kids to sleep with me quite often.”

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 pretty cute. So it’s probably my favorite time of the day.”

Blackstock died in August 2025 after a three-year battle with cancer. The first sign that Blackstock was ill came that same month when Clarkson postponed his “Studio Session” concerts at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

“Unfortunately, I have to reschedule the remainder of the August studio session dates in Las Vegas,” she said in a statement at the time. “Although I usually keep my personal life private, last year my children’s father was ill and right now I have to be fully present for them.”

THE American idol The elder concluded: “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who purchased tickets to the shows and I so 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 of the passing of Brandon Blackstock. Brandon courageously battled cancer for over three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by his family,” a family spokesperson said. Us every week. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

Clarkson stepped away from her daytime talk show and turned on The voice to provide for her children, even if she finally returned to work in September 2025.

In the meantime, We reported in August 2025 about how Blackstock’s illness led him to build bridges with Clarkson after their contentious divorce in 2022. A source said We that Blackstock’s cancer diagnosis “changed [his and Clarkson’s] perspectives” even if it did not necessarily “bring them closer together”.

“Co-parenting hasn’t been easy for Kelly because she was the one who had to carry the kids around, so it was really her life that was always in turmoil,” the insider added. “She is their [children’s] main parent. But it was catastrophic for them, so Kelly immediately went into mom mode and focused on the kids and how they were coping.

While Clarkson has mostly been reluctant to address Blackstock’s death publicly, his former mother-in-law, Reba McEntiresaid Entertainment tonight on the red carpet of the 2025 Emmy Awards who “miss their whole family” [Blackstock] every minute. » (McEntire was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Stock-Blackfrom 1989 to 2015. Brandon and his siblings Chassidy and Shawna were from Narvel’s first marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritterwith whom he was from 1973 to 1988.)

“The kids are doing well, they’re all bonding together, spending time with each other, and living one day at a time,” McEntire, 70, said in September 2025. “We know God has that.”

Besides 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 her 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, alongside a throwback photo of the couple.