Kelly Clarkson is reportedly struggling with feelings of guilt following the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who succumbed to cancer earlier this month. The singer, 43, has questioned whether the stress of their highly publicised divorce may have contributed to his illness, according to insiders.
Blackstock, 48, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2022, three years before his death. Despite the acrimonious split, which involved bitter legal battles over finances and custody, Clarkson cannot shake the thought that the tension might have impacted his health. '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,' a source told the Daily Mail.
The couple married in 2013 and separated in 2020, with their divorce finalised in March 2022. Clarkson secured primary custody of their two children, River, 11, and Remington, nine, and relocated to New York City. The financial settlement included a $1.3 million lump sum payment to Blackstock, monthly spousal support of $115,000 until January 2024, and $45,000 monthly child support until the children turn 18. Blackstock was also ordered to return $2.6 million for overcharging Clarkson in management fees.
Clarkson released a breakup album, Chemistry, in 2023, detailing the 'good, the bad and the ugly' of their relationship. She admitted to crying 'so hard' she 'couldn't even speak' during the years she realised the marriage was failing. The singer missed episodes of her talk show in March for a 'personal matter' and recently postponed her Las Vegas residency, citing Blackstock's illness.
Insiders say Clarkson is aware that stress can impact health, and while she does not blame herself, the thought lingers. 'The stress that all this brought is not good for anyone's health,' a second source said. 'She doesn't want to harp on about what this might have done for Brandon's health, but it does cross her mind.'
