Kelly Clarkson is mourning the loss of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock after his private battle with cancer, putting her children’s well-being first as she navigates heartbreak and co-parenting amid tragedy.

Kelly Clarkson is facing an unimaginable heartbreak as her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock passed away on August 7, 2025, after a private and grueling battle with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

The 48-year-old talent manager’s death marks the end of a difficult chapter that Clarkson, 43, has been quietly navigating for more than three years — all while trying to protect their two children, River, 11, and Remington, 9.

Brandon’s cancer diagnosis remained mostly private, known only to close family and friends.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Clarkson’s primary focus has always been shielding their children from the full weight of their father’s illness, even as she juggled her own emotions and public life.

“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” an insider revealed, adding that despite their complicated past, Clarkson never allowed bitterness to affect how she spoke about Brandon in front of the kids.

The couple, who married in 2013, endured a tumultuous divorce that was finalized in 2022 after a lengthy and public legal battle involving custody, property, and financial disputes.

Clarkson has openly admitted the split was “messy and painful,” yet she remained determined to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship.

“She always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad,” the source said. “She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.”

Throughout this challenging period, Clarkson has been candid about prioritizing her children’s happiness above all else.

On Angie Martinez’s “IRL” podcast last year, she shared touching moments from bedtime conversations with her kids, asking them directly if they were happy or if anything could make them happier.

“Especially the past two years … it kills me \[but] I want them to be honest,” Clarkson said. “They’re really honest about it. I’m raising that kind of individual.”

She expressed empathy born from her own experience growing up in a divorced family, assuring them, “We’re going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us.”

Just days before Blackstock’s passing, Clarkson abruptly postponed the remaining August shows of her Las Vegas residency, Studio Sessions, citing the need to be fully present for her children amid their father’s health decline.

“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,” she explained in an Instagram post on August 5.

Fans expressed overwhelming support, understanding the heavy toll the situation took on the singer.

Despite the public nature of her career, Clarkson has maintained discretion regarding Blackstock’s health, choosing instead to focus on caregiving behind the scenes.

Sources say she has been “working so hard” and caring for Brandon during his final days. “Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father,” one insider said.

Brandon Blackstock’s family shared a statement confirming his peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones, asking for privacy during this difficult time.

Beyond his children with Clarkson, Brandon leaves behind two other children from a previous marriage: daughter Savannah, in her twenties, and son Seth, 18.

Clarkson’s relationship with Blackstock began in the mid-2000s, after meeting through professional circles connected to the Academy of Country Music Awards. They married in October 2013, welcomed their daughter River in June 2014, and son Remington in April 2016.

Although their divorce was fraught with conflict, including a significant financial settlement that awarded Blackstock monthly spousal and child support payments, Clarkson always prioritized stability for their children.

Fans and industry insiders alike have watched Clarkson navigate this personal tragedy with remarkable strength and grace, balancing her public persona with the demands of motherhood and caregiving.

Her commitment to her children’s well-being remains clear, as she continues to provide a stable and loving environment amid loss.

As the music icon grapples with this new reality, questions linger about how she will move forward personally and professionally.

For now, Kelly Clarkson’s focus remains unwavering: supporting her children through one of life’s toughest challenges while honoring the memory of their father.