Kelly Clarkson Postpones Shows to Be with Children after Ex-Husband’s Death
Kelly Clarkson announced this week she is postponing the remainder of her Las Vegas concert series to be with her children while their father -- her ex-husband -- battled a serious illness. He died the following day. Brandon Blackstock, the father of their children, 11-year-old River Rose and 9-year-old Remington "Remy" Alexander, passed away this week at age 48. The son of music manager Narvel Blackstock, he grew up around the country music scene and later became the stepson of Reba McEntire. His career kept him largely behind the curtain, guiding the work of recording artists and handling the business side of the industry.
Clarkson and Blackstock married in October 2013 and were together for nearly seven years before separating in 2020. Their divorce was finalized in 2022. He was her former manager.
"Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas," she said of her residency in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. "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."
A Blackstock representative said he battled cancer heroically.
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," the representative said. "Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family."
Clarkson won the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002 and quickly transitioned from reality show champion to chart-topping recording artist. In addition to her music career, Clarkson hosts a daytime talk show and has appeared as a coach on The Voice.
Clarkson was raised in a Southern Baptist church and has spoken about the role her Christian upbringing played in shaping her values.
"I always grew up in church," she once said. "I was the leader of our youth group. I've always grown up pretty close to church and with God. But I think I've just gotten a lot closer just because He's the only one I can lean on."
Photo Credit: ©YouTube/TheKellyClarksonShow
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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Originally published August 08, 2025.
