The media personality’s split from Brandon Blackstock was one of the most contentious celebrity divorces, marked by financial disputes.
Following Brandon Blackstock’s death earlier this month at 48, Kelly Clarkson is said to be grappling with guilt. She reportedly wonders whether the turmoil of their fractured marriage and its aftermath added to the struggles he was already facing behind the scenes.
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
The 43-year-old had endured a rocky road with Blackstock after filing for divorce in 2020. Their separation played out in court and headlines. The singer was ordered to pay millions in spousal and child support before later suing her ex for allegedly making unauthorized business deals while serving as her manager.
At the same time, Blackstock was fighting a private battle with cancer, a diagnosis he kept largely hidden from the public for three years before his death.
Brandon Blackstock attends the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards on January 12, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
In the wake of his passing, insiders revealed that Clarkson wrestled with feelings of remorse over how their difficult divorce might have weighed on him. “Kelly is aware of talk that stress can impact the body and make someone more susceptible to cancer,” an insider noted.
While the timing may have been coincidental, the singer recognizes how much strain the divorce and legal battles placed on both of them.
Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson attend the Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
Therefore, insiders say Clarkson has considered whether that could have affected Blackstock’s health, even though she knows it’s unrealistic to hold herself responsible.
A source explained, “She doesn’t blame herself but she’s conscious that the double whammy of the divorce and the fact that he had to repay her millions of dollars was very tough on him.”
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock attend the CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images
Instead of focusing on those difficult thoughts, Clarkson has turned her attention to motherhood. She is leaning on her role as a parent to River, 11, and Remington, 9, while navigating the grief and guilt that came with Blackstock’s passing.
“While it was frustrating to deal with him in divorce, once the cancer came into the situation, she felt bad, it took a toll on her because she had to think of her kids’ feelings and to protect them,” an insider shared.
River Blackstock, Remy Blackstock, and Kelly Clarkson on the “Kelly Clarkson Show,” on January 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Clarkson’s commitment to her children was evident on August 6, when she postponed her Las Vegas residency, the August Studio Session.
In a statement shared on Instagram, she explained that their father had been ill for the past year and that she needed to step back to be fully present for her kids. She also expressed her gratitude to fans for their patience, kindness, and understanding during the difficult time.
Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson pose backstage at the hit musical “Finding Neverland” on Broadway at The Lunt Fontanne Theater on July 15, 2015 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The following day, August 7, a family representative confirmed that Blackstock had died after a private, three-year battle with cancer. The statement noted that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. It also requested privacy for the family during their time of grief.
Following Blackstock’s death, Clarkson was deeply affected, especially for the sake of their children. A source revealed that she had remained protective of him once she learned of his illness. “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,” the insider added.
River Blackstock and Remy Blackstock on the “Kelly Clarkson Show,” on January 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
After his death, Blackstock’s obituary was published, and Kelly Clarkson, his ex-wife and the mother of his two children, was not mentioned. Instead, another woman was highlighted.
The obituary reflected on his two decades in the music industry before noting that he later built a different kind of life. Blackstock returned to the mountains to embrace the cowboy lifestyle he had always wanted.
Brandon Blackstock dressed in a suit with a white boutonnière, as posted on August 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/shelbyblackstock
It explained, “Brandon, along with his beautiful and loving partner in life and business, Brittney Marie Jones, started building a life, building companies, and working tirelessly to create Headwaters Livestock Auction and what will live on as his legacy, The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana.”
The obituary went on to describe him as someone who lived with intensity, never doing things halfway. He was remembered as a cowboy at heart who drove a big truck, rode a strong horse, and always removed his hat when introducing himself.
Blackstock was painted as a sharpshooter, a man’s man, and a gentleman who thrived on long, hard days of work that began early and ended late.
