Kelly Clarkson was seen out and about for the first time since the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
In photos published by the Daily Mail on Saturday, August 23, Clarkson, 43, was dressed in all black as she arrived at LAX airport. She donned dark sunglasses, sweatpants and a wide-brimmed hat while walking from her car.
Blackstock died on August 7 at the age of 48 after privately battling cancer.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,” a family rep noted in a statement to Us Weekly. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
Clarkson revealed via Instagram one day before Blackstock’s death that she was putting her Las Vegas residency on pause to focus on their two children: daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” she announced on August 6. “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
At the time, Clarkson did not provide specifics on her ex’s illness. Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis later confirmed to Us on August 11 that Blackstock’s cause of death was melanoma, noting that the manner of his death was natural causes.
Clarkson and Blackstock tied the knot in 2013. Throughout their marriage, Blackstock served as the pop star’s manager. She filed for divorce in 2020, and the proceedings were finalized two years later following a lengthy legal battle.
Kelly Clarkson had been quietly dealing with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s illness for months — canceling a series of shows before his death in August 2025. “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them,” […]
While the singer has yet to publicly address Blackstock’s death, Carson Daly recently opened up to Us about how colleagues from The Voice have supported her and Reba McEntire amid their family’s loss. (McEntire, 70, was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015.)
“It’s been tough,” Daly exclusively told Us at opening night of Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride on Monday, August 18. “We all knew Brandon well, and we are a family. … We’ve just been sending our prayers and support to them. It’s a terrible situation.”
Along with River and Remington, Brandon shared daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, with ex-wife Melissa Ashworth. Savannah shared an emotional tribute to her late father via Instagram on Tuesday, August 19.
“My daddy never fell short of making my dreams come true. No matter how high or how far, he made a way,” she wrote. “Not only did he make my dreams come true, he chased them with me. Worldwide he was there, my biggest cheerleader. He is my best friend, my voice of reason, and my favorite phone call every day.”
Kelly Clarkson kept her children front of mind while navigating her late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock‘s secret cancer battle, a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “Even though they went through an acrimonious divorce, Kelly made a conscious decision to protect Brandon’s privacy until the very end for the sake of their family,” the source explains. “He’d […]
According to Savannah, the pair found a “new avenue” in their relationship thanks to their shared faith. “He always loved the Lord, but 6 months ago he sought the Lord. He was hungry for the word and we did it together,” she added. “He’s gifted me more than I could’ve asked for and deserved throughout my life, but 12 days ago he blessed me the most valuable gift I could’ve asked for. The gift of knowing where he is today, in Heaven with our Savior.”
She concluded, “I lost a piece of my heart and my favorite Cowboy, but Heaven gained an angel. I’m so thankful for the time I did have and I can’t wait for eternity. I love you daddy and I will miss you indefinitely. Enjoy your ranch up there, God designed it with your heart’s desires in mind. ❤️.”
