Kelly Clarkson has offered a poignant glimpse into her family life, sharing a rare photo of her two children as they continue to cope with the loss of their father. The moving post comes just four months after the sudden death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
A Heartwarming Winter Outing
Over the weekend, the 43-year-old singer and television host posted a sweet image to social media. The photo captured her daughter, River Rose, 11, and son, Remington, 9, ice skating at the iconic Rockefeller Center in New York City.
'Ice skating at 30 Rock with the family,' Clarkson captioned the heartwarming snapshot. In the picture, her children smile warmly at the camera, bundled up in winter puffer jackets and beanies. They were joined by an unidentified family member or friend for the festive New York tradition.
Navigating Unimaginable Loss
The family outing takes place in the wake of profound personal tragedy. Brandon Blackstock passed away suddenly at the age of 48. His death followed a private, three-year battle with melanoma, which his obituary described as 'brave and courageous'.
The obituary, shared by Butte Funeral Home, also revealed the surprising claim that he had been in a relationship with Clarkson's former assistant prior to his death. Clarkson and Blackstock first met in 2006, began dating in 2012, and married the following year in Tennessee. They welcomed River in 2014 and Remington in 2016 before Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The split was finalised in 2022.
Co-Parenting and Public Scrutiny
Reflecting on the divorce during a 2023 podcast appearance, Clarkson admitted navigating the breakup in the public eye was challenging. 'I think the thing about divorce, especially having it publicised... the hardest part is, it wasn't an overnight decision,' she said. She expressed a deep desire to have made the marriage work, stating, 'I wanted to make it beautiful. I wanted to make it awesome… and sometimes that just doesn't happen.'
She also spoke candidly about co-parenting, revealing she regularly asks her children if they are happy. Clarkson noted they were honest about wishing 'Mommy and Daddy were in the same house.' Her response was to reassure them, 'I get it. That sucks. But we're going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us.'
Following their divorce, the former couple became embroiled in a legal dispute over business commissions, which was finally settled in May 2024. A source close to Clarkson told People magazine that when she learned Blackstock was ill, she 'remained protective' of him for the sake of their children. The insider added, 'She’s been devastated for the kids... She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.'
This rare family photo serves as a touching testament to Clarkson's focus on creating joyful moments for her children as they all navigate a path through grief.
