The singer, 43, is said to be heartbroken for her kids following Blackstock’s death in August 2025. He was 48 and had been battling melanoma for more than three years.
“Kelly is obviously heartbroken for her kids. Losing their dad is incredibly painful and confusing,” a source says. “But she’s also very grounded. She’s not someone who falls apart. She looks at life realistically and does everything she can to make things as steady and loving as possible for her kids.”
According to the source, Clarkson’s main priority right now is simply being there for her children. “Her focus is to be present for her kids,” the source adds. “She’s a great mom.”
A family representative confirmed Blackstock’s death on August 7, sharing that he had “bravely battled cancer for more than three years.” The statement said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, and asked for privacy during the difficult time.
After the news broke, another source said Clarkson had been “devastated” for her kids throughout Blackstock’s illness. “When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” the source said. “Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids.”
Clarkson and Blackstock married in 2013 and share two children. She filed for divorce in 2020 after seven years of marriage, and the split was finalized two years later. While the divorce was difficult and involved legal disputes, sources say Clarkson always understood how important it was for her children to have a strong relationship with their father.
“The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful and something she felt terrible about,” a source previously said. “But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.”
In 2023, Clarkson spoke openly about co-parenting and how her children’s feelings come first. On IRL, she shared how she checks in with her kids every night.
“I ask my kids every night when we’re snuggling and I put them to bed, ‘Are you happy? And if you’re not, what could make you happier?’” she said. She explained that her children are honest about their emotions, including their sadness about not having both parents in the same home.
Clarkson said she listens and reassures them. “I get it. I’m from a divorced family as well. I get it. That sucks,” she said. “But we’re going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us.”
Now, as her family faces a profound loss, those close to Clarkson say her steady, loving approach remains the same — doing everything she can to support her children and help them feel safe and loved during an incredibly hard time.
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