Kelly Clarkson Shares Heartfelt Update on Her Kids, Months After Ex-Husband’s Death

Kelly Clarkson recently offered a rare and deeply personal update on how her children are doing months after the death of their father, her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. In a heartfelt moment shared during a fan question-and-answer session, the singer and television host spoke openly about her daily life with her two kids — and how they are finding comfort and connection as a family after a period marked by loss and change.

Clarkson, 43, revealed that some of her most cherished moments these days come from simple routines spent with her daughter River, 11, and her son Remington “Remy,” 9. The children, she said, often sleep beside her — alongside the family dogs — and those quiet shared nights have become a source of joy and bonding as they work through their grief together. Sitting with her kids at bedtime, sharing conversations and laughter, has brought her some of the sweetest parts of the day, she explained.

River and Remy are at that transition age where they are independent in many ways yet still small enough to relish cuddles and closeness. Clarkson described how those nightly moments, full of warmth and genuine connection, have been incredibly special. In fact, she said that the “snuggle time” with her children is one of her favorite parts of each day, especially after the challenging events the family has experienced in recent months.

The update comes five months after the tragic death of Brandon Blackstock, who died in August 2025 at age 48 following a three-year battle with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Blackstock, a talent manager and the father of Clarkson’s children, was also the former stepson of country music star Reba McEntire. His death was announced by his family, who said he passed away peacefully and was surrounded by loved ones after bravely fighting cancer.

Clarkson and Blackstock were married in 2013 and share two children together. After their divorce in 2022, the couple worked to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship for the sake of River and Remy. Despite the legal and emotional difficulties of the divorce, Clarkson never spoke poorly of her ex to their children, understanding the importance of preserving their relationship with their father.

Blackstock’s illness and eventual passing were a heavy blow for the family. In the final days of his life, Clarkson made the decision to put her Las Vegas residency on hold so she could be fully present with her children during that difficult time. She paused her scheduled performances, canceled some appearances and focused entirely on being there for her family as Blackstock’s health declined. After his death, she spoke publicly about the pain of the loss, expressing sympathy and gratitude to fans for their support and understanding.

In the months since, Clarkson has continued to center her life around her children’s emotional well-being. The children’s ages — River now 11 and Remy 9 — place them at different developmental stages, yet both have drawn comfort from routines, family outings and the love and stability provided by their mother. Clarkson’s willingness to let her children sleep in her bed has created opportunities for meaningful conversations and moments of closeness that help them feel secure and supported.

Though she typically keeps her personal life private, Clarkson’s recent remarks offered fans a glimpse into how she and her family are navigating grief and healing. The openness of sharing these tender family details reflects not only her role as a parent but also her belief in the importance of honesty and presence in raising emotionally resilient children.

Fans and supporters have rallied around Clarkson and her family throughout this difficult period, offering messages of encouragement on social media and in public responses to her updates. Many have praised her devotion to her children and her efforts to balance personal healing with the demands of her career. Supporters have noted that Clarkson’s focus on family, even amid heartbreak, is an inspiration and a testament to her strength as both a mother and a public figure.

In recent appearances, Clarkson has discussed the importance of creating memories with her children beyond the shadow of loss. She shared that the family spent New Year’s Day together hiking and walking on the beach, embracing simple, joyful experiences that contribute to their collective healing. These moments of connection, she said, highlight the resilience of her family and the importance of celebrating life even as they mourn.

Clarkson’s update also comes at a time when she continues to navigate her professional life with grace. She returned to her talk show later in 2025, finding comfort in her work while prioritizing her role as a parent. Colleagues have noted that she brings heartfelt authenticity to her television presence, often drawing on her own experiences to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

While the path of grief is ongoing, Clarkson’s reflections on family life and her children’s well-being mark an important chapter in their healing journey. By sharing these intimate moments — from bedtime hugs to daily routines — she offers a reminder of how love and presence can nurture resilience in the wake of loss. Through change and challenge, River, Remy and their mother continue to find strength in one another, turning ordinary moments into meaningful memories that help guide them forward.