Kelly Clarkson's Heartbreak: Redefining Her Career After Tragic Loss

Kelly Clarkson Puts Family First After Tragic Loss of Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock

In a shocking turn of events, Kelly Clarkson has put her career on hold to focus on her children after the devastating loss of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away from skin cancer at just 48 years old. The emotional toll of losing a loved one is always felt deeply, but for Clarkson, it's not just about personal grief – it's also about being a single mother to their two young children.

According to sources close to the singer, Clarkson has been going through an incredibly difficult time since Blackstock's passing. "It's been draining, exhausting, emotional, and devastating," the insider revealed to US Weekly, highlighting the challenges of balancing her career with caring for her kids during this traumatic period. The Stronger hitmaker had made it a priority to take her children, River Rose, 11, and Remington, 9, to visit their dad in Montana before his passing.

But Clarkson's dedication to her family is nothing new – she has always put their needs first. "Kelly is a workhorse," the source explained. "Hard work is all she knows." With a packed schedule and demanding career as a talk show host and judge on The Voice, it's no wonder that Clarkson relies on her strong work ethic to get through tough times.

Despite being in the midst of planning for her final year on The Kelly Clarkson Show (she has signed on to return for one more season), Clarkson has postponed her August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas to focus on her children. "Her kids will come first, and she will find a way," the insider reassured, acknowledging that nothing can replace the love and support of family during difficult times.

And it's not just Clarkson who is rallying around the Blackstock family – her former in-laws have been incredibly supportive, with sources revealing that they've all come together to be there for the kids. "The Blackstocks have come really close together in this time," the insider shared, highlighting the importance of family bonds during times of need.

But losing a co-parent can take an enormous toll on a single parent – especially one as dedicated and driven as Clarkson. As an industry insider revealed to Page Six, Clarkson's marriage to Blackstock was complex and often tumultuous, particularly when it came to negotiations for her career deals. "Everything between Kelly and Brandon was stressful and intense," the source shared, noting that the couple's separation in 2020 and subsequent divorce in 2022 were marked by ongoing drama.

Despite this, Clarkson has spoken publicly about how much she values the professional opportunities that Blackstock helped her secure – including landing a spot on The Voice and securing lucrative deals for her talk show. "The irony is that he's had a very positive influence on her life," the insider noted. "He made these phenomenal deals for her, and she wouldn't be here without him."

As Clarkson navigates this new chapter in her life, it remains to be seen how long she'll stay on The Kelly Clarkson Show – but one thing is certain: her family will always come first. And while some may wonder what the future holds for the singer, including a rumored return as a judge on The Voice and potential holiday specials with NBC, one thing's for sure – Clarkson will continue to be an inspiration to fans everywhere.

In the meantime, Clarkson has revealed that she'll be returning to her Studio Session shows in November, and while it may mark the beginning of a new chapter in her career, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of family during difficult times. As one fan poignantly noted on social media, "She had to muster the energy to sing 'Piece by Piece' without crying" – a heartbreaking testament to Clarkson's strength and resilience.

And with that, it's clear that Kelly Clarkson is putting her children first – no matter what the future holds.