Kelly Clarkson, the beloved American singer, songwriter, and talk show host, has long been a beacon of resilience and authenticity in the entertainment industry. Rising to fame as the first winner of American Idol in 2002, Clarkson has captivated audiences with her powerful voice, relatable personality, and unwavering honesty. However, behind her infectious smile and chart-topping hits lies a story of profound personal struggles, particularly in the wake of her highly publicized divorce from Brandon Blackstock and the emotional toll of his illness and eventual passing. In a series of candid interviews and public statements, Clarkson has opened up about battling depression during her divorce, navigating co-parenting challenges, and enduring the emotional weight of her ex-husband’s illness, which she described as him “pouring all his pain onto me, berating me.” This article delves into Clarkson’s journey through these tumultuous years, exploring her mental health struggles, her role as a devoted mother, and her path to reclaiming her strength.
The Rise of Kelly Clarkson: A Star with a Resilient Spirit
Kelly Clarkson’s ascent to stardom began at the age of 20 when she won the inaugural season of American Idol. Her raw talent and down-to-earth demeanor quickly made her a household name, with hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” cementing her status as a pop music icon. Beyond music, Clarkson expanded her career as a judge on The Voice and host of The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has garnered multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, including outstanding daytime talk series and host. Her ability to connect with audiences through her authenticity and humor has been a cornerstone of her success.
However, Clarkson’s public persona as a cheerful, resilient figure belied the personal challenges she faced. In recent years, she has become increasingly open about her mental health struggles, particularly following her divorce from Brandon Blackstock, her husband of nearly seven years, and the emotional complexities surrounding his illness and death. Her willingness to share these experiences has resonated with fans and shed light on the often-hidden struggles of navigating personal loss in the public eye.
The Divorce: An “Extraordinarily Hard” Chapter
Clarkson’s marriage to Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and the son of her former manager Narvel Blackstock, began in 2013 after the couple met in 2006 at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards. Together, they welcomed two children, River Rose, born in 2014, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, born in 2016. Blackstock also has two children from a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth. The couple’s relationship appeared strong, but underlying tensions eventually led to Clarkson filing for divorce in June 2020, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce proceedings, finalized in March 2022, were protracted and contentious, involving disputes over custody, spousal support, and property, including a highly contested Montana ranch.
In a January 2024 interview with People, Clarkson described the divorce as “extraordinarily hard,” emphasizing the emotional toll it took on her and her children. “You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming,” she said, referring to her 2023 album Chemistry, which served as a cathartic outlet for processing the end of her marriage. The album, a collection of songs about the unraveling of her relationship with Blackstock, allowed Clarkson to channel her pain into art. “I didn’t see it other than: This is my outlet. I’m a let-go person; I don’t hold grudges,” she explained. “So it was really delving into what happened in my life and why—and what am I going to do about it?”
The divorce settlement required Clarkson to pay Blackstock a one-time payment of $1.3 million, $115,000 per month in spousal support until January 2024, and $45,601 per month in child support for their two children. Clarkson was granted primary custody, and the family relocated to New York City, where she continued hosting her talk show. The move marked a fresh start, but the emotional scars of the divorce lingered. Clarkson revealed that she battled depression for years, a struggle exacerbated by the public nature of her split and the pressures of co-parenting. “I cannot express how appreciative I feel for having that kind of healthy outlet,” she said of her music, which helped her navigate the “level of depression and things that come with divorce or grieving.”
Mental Health Struggles: Antidepressants and Therapy
Clarkson’s openness about her mental health challenges has been a significant part of her narrative. In a 2023 appearance on the Las Culturistas podcast, she shared that she sought professional help during her divorce, including therapy and antidepressants. “I looked at my therapist and I just couldn’t stop sobbing,” she recalled. “I actually had to cancel some of the other day because I couldn’t stop crying. I cannot do this.” Her therapist recommended Lexapro, a common medication for depression and anxiety, which Clarkson took for approximately two months. “It was, honest to God, the greatest decision ever,” she said. “I wouldn’t have made it [without it].”
This period of intense emotional distress was compounded by the pressures of her career and the responsibility of raising her children. Clarkson admitted to struggling with the stigma around mental health, particularly given her Texas roots, where therapy was not commonly embraced. “People don’t generally go to therapy where I’m from,” she told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. However, a pivotal piece of advice from her therapist helped her cope: “You don’t have to attend every argument that you’re invited to.” This mantra became a guiding principle as she navigated the emotional fallout of her divorce.
Clarkson’s candor about her use of antidepressants and therapy has been praised for normalizing mental health treatment. Her willingness to share these experiences underscores her commitment to authenticity, a quality that has endeared her to fans. “It was a really good lesson in, like, ‘You need to put your ego aside, and everything aside,’” she said, reflecting on her decision to seek help.
Brandon Blackstock’s Illness and Clarkson’s Devotion to Her Children
In August 2025, Clarkson announced that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency, Studio Sessions, to be with her children amid Blackstock’s illness. In an Instagram post on August 6, she wrote, “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 expressed gratitude to her fans for their understanding and apologized to those who had purchased tickets.
The announcement came as a shock to many, as Blackstock’s illness had not been publicly disclosed until that point. Sources later revealed that he had been battling cancer for over three years, a struggle that culminated in his death on August 7, 2025, at the age of 48. A family statement confirmed, “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”
Clarkson’s decision to prioritize her children during this time highlighted her role as a devoted mother. Despite the contentious nature of her divorce and subsequent legal battles with Blackstock, she remained protective of him for the sake of their children. An insider told People that Clarkson was “devastated” for River and Remy, emphasizing that she had always shielded them from the complexities of her relationship with Blackstock. “She remained protective of him for their sake,” the source said.
The emotional weight of Blackstock’s illness was compounded by his behavior towards Clarkson during this period. In her statements, she alluded to the pain of his verbal attacks, noting that he “poured all his pain onto me, berating me.” This dynamic added another layer of complexity to her grief, as she navigated her own emotional turmoil while supporting her children through their father’s illness and eventual loss. The public nature of her struggles made this period particularly challenging, yet Clarkson’s commitment to her children’s well-being remained unwavering.
Co-Parenting Challenges and Double Standards
Clarkson’s experience as a co-parent has been fraught with challenges, particularly in navigating societal expectations and double standards. In a March 2025 appearance on Kylie Kelce’s Not Gonna Lie podcast, she discussed the frustrations of co-parenting with Blackstock. She noted that their children, River and Remy, were more lenient towards their father’s absences due to work obligations, but held her to a higher standard. “There’s a lot that I keep in because … co-parenting is fun,” she quipped, hinting at the underlying tensions in her relationship with Blackstock.
This sentiment was echoed in her broader reflections on the double standards faced by working mothers versus fathers. Clarkson pointed out that society often expects mothers to be constantly present, while fathers are given more leeway for professional commitments. Her candidness about these challenges resonated with many parents, particularly those navigating co-parenting dynamics post-divorce.
Legal Battles and Financial Strains
The legal battles following Clarkson’s divorce added further strain to her emotional and financial well-being. In 2023, she sued Blackstock and his father’s company, Starstruck Entertainment, for violating California’s Talent Agencies Act by acting as an unlicensed talent agency. A California labor commissioner ruled in Clarkson’s favor, ordering Blackstock to repay her $2,641,374 for commissions earned from deals with The Voice, the Billboard Music Awards, and other projects. Blackstock’s legal team appealed the ruling, but the dispute was settled in May 2024 when both parties withdrew their lawsuits.
The financial burden of the divorce settlement, including the $1.3 million lump sum, $115,000 monthly spousal support, and $45,601 monthly child support, was significant, even for someone of Clarkson’s wealth. Court documents revealed that her monthly income exceeded $1.5 million, but the emotional and logistical challenges of managing these payments while raising her children and maintaining her career were immense.
A New Beginning in New York City
Clarkson’s relocation to New York City with her children marked a turning point in her journey. The move, prompted by her desire for a fresh start post-divorce, allowed her to focus on her career and her role as a single mother. “I feel like a weight has lifted,” she told USA Today in October 2023. “What’s cool for me with season 5 [of The Kelly Clarkson Show] is I am in such a great place, not only with my kids, but with me personally and with the show.”
New York provided a new backdrop for Clarkson to rebuild her life. She embraced her role as an ambassador for Wayfair and continued to pour her energy into her talk show, which moved to 30 Rockefeller Center. The change of scenery helped alleviate some of the depression she had experienced in the years prior. “I really needed the change,” she told People, noting that the move allowed her to show up to work “smiling and actually meaning it.”
Reflections on Loss and Resilience
The death of Brandon Blackstock on August 7, 2025, marked a profound loss for Clarkson and her children. Despite their tumultuous history, Clarkson’s response was one of compassion and focus on her children’s needs. Her decision to postpone her Las Vegas residency to be with River and Remy during their father’s illness underscored her commitment to family, even in the face of personal pain.
Clarkson’s journey through depression, divorce, and loss is a testament to her resilience. Her album Chemistry and her openness about therapy and antidepressants have provided a roadmap for others navigating similar challenges. “Sometimes you don’t know what life has in store for you, and you think your life is going to go one way, and it’s OK that it doesn’t,” she told People. “You never know how beautiful that might be.”
Conclusion
Kelly Clarkson’s story is one of triumph over adversity. From the heights of her American Idol victory to the depths of her post-divorce depression and the pain of her ex-husband’s illness and death, she has faced her challenges with grace and honesty. Her willingness to share her struggles with mental health, co-parenting, and grief has made her a relatable figure for millions. As she continues to build a new life in New York City with her children, Clarkson remains a powerful example of resilience, proving that even in the darkest moments, there is hope for healing and new beginnings.
