Kelly Clarkson, the Grammy-winning singer and beloved television host, has always been known for her raw honesty and heartfelt openness, both in her music and in her public life. Her relationship with Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and her former husband, was a significant chapter in her life that captured the attention of fans worldwide. Despite their highly publicized divorce in 2022, the love story that began in 2006 was filled with moments of joy, passion, and mutual admiration. Tragically, Brandon Blackstock passed away on August 7, 2025, after a three-year battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy as a father, manager, and partner. In the wake of this loss, it’s worth reflecting on the beautiful things Kelly Clarkson said about Blackstock during their happier times, offering insight into a relationship that, while complex, was once defined by love and hope. This article explores their journey—from their first meeting to their marriage, the challenges of their divorce, and the enduring love Clarkson expressed for Blackstock before his passing.
The Beginning: A Spark at the Academy of Country Music Awards
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s love story began in May 2006 at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards. At the time, Clarkson was already a household name, having won the first season of American Idol in 2002, while Blackstock was a talent manager working with artists like Blake Shelton. Their initial encounter was electric, with Clarkson instantly captivated by Blackstock’s charisma. In a 2013 interview with People, she recalled, “This guy walks by, making everybody laugh. I said, ‘I’m gonna end up with him. I know it.’” This moment marked the beginning of a connection that would shape years of Clarkson’s life.
However, their relationship didn’t blossom immediately. Blackstock was married to his first wife, Melissa Ashworth, at the time, and Clarkson was focused on her burgeoning career. It wasn’t until 2012, when they reconnected at the Super Bowl, that their romance truly began. Clarkson later shared on SiriusXM in 2017, “We didn’t even know each other, but he had walked past me once, and there was a moment in my crazy head. He thought I hated him, too. When I finally confessed that, ‘I really dig you,’ he was so shocked because he thought I hated him.” Her candid admission revealed the playful tension and undeniable chemistry that defined their early interactions.
Falling in Love: A Whirlwind Romance
By late 2011, Clarkson and Blackstock were dating, and their relationship moved quickly. Clarkson, who had been single for six years prior, was smitten. In a 2013 Cosmopolitan interview, she gushed, “Brandon’s totally the one. I’ve never been so happy. I’ve never been truly loved like I am right now.” This declaration underscored the depth of her feelings, as she found in Blackstock a partner who made her feel cherished in a way she hadn’t experienced before.
Their engagement in December 2012 was a moment of pure joy for Clarkson. She shared the news on X, writing, “I’m engaged! Happiest night of my life last night! I am so lucky and am with the greatest man ever.” Her exuberance was palpable, reflecting a woman deeply in love and optimistic about her future. In March 2012, Clarkson humorously told Us Weekly, “I’m too happy. He’s ruining my creativity. I’m writing all this happy (expletive). It’s killing me.” This lighthearted comment highlighted how Blackstock’s presence brought a new sense of joy to her life, even influencing her songwriting.
Their wedding on October 20, 2013, at Blackberry Farms in Tennessee was a celebration of their love. Clarkson tweeted, “I’m officially Mrs. Blackstock 🙂 We got married yesterday at Blackberry Farms in TN, the most beautiful place ever!” The intimate ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that Clarkson approached with enthusiasm and a commitment to building a life together.
Building a Family and a Partnership
Clarkson and Blackstock welcomed their first child, daughter River Rose, on June 12, 2014. Clarkson announced the news with excitement, tweeting, “Our baby girl River Rose Blackstock arrived on June 12th! Thank you everyone for all of your well wishes! Brandon and I are on cloud 9!!” Two years later, in April 2016, they welcomed their son, Remington “Remy” Alexander. Blackstock also had two children, Savannah and Seth, from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth, making their family a blended one.
Clarkson often spoke about how Blackstock’s role as a father deepened her love for him. In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, she said, “Watching my husband love on his daughter all the time, you know, go to her events and just be there and, like, be present is hard to watch but beautiful to watch.” This reflection highlighted Blackstock’s dedication as a father, which resonated deeply with Clarkson, especially given her own experiences with an absent father.
Their professional partnership also flourished during this time. Blackstock became Clarkson’s manager in 2017, a decision she made after witnessing his success with Blake Shelton. In a 2018 Marie Claire interview, she explained, “I wouldn’t have hired Brandon to be my manager if I didn’t see first-hand how great he is at that and how much he cares about Blake. He’s really talented at what he does and his mind really does work in a completely different way.” This professional collaboration strengthened their bond, as they navigated the complexities of the music industry together.
Clarkson’s 2015 song “Piece by Piece” was a testament to the stability Blackstock brought to her life. Inspired by their relationship, the song contrasted Blackstock’s love and commitment with the abandonment she felt from her father. She sang, “Piece by piece, he collected me / Up off the ground where you abandoned things / Piece by piece, he filled the holes / That you burned in me at 6 years old.” The song was a love letter to Blackstock, celebrating his role in healing her past wounds.
In an April 2015 interview with Redbook, Clarkson shared her philosophy on their marriage, saying, “We put each other first. I call it the oxygen-mask mentality — take care of yourself first!” This approach reflected their mutual respect and commitment to balancing their personal and professional lives.
The Challenges of Divorce
Despite the love and happiness that defined their early years, Clarkson and Blackstock’s marriage faced challenges that led to their separation. In June 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The decision was not made lightly, as Clarkson later explained in a 2023 interview on Angie Martinez’s IRL podcast: “I think the thing about divorce — especially having it publicized, and people thinking they know the whole thing — the hardest part of that is, like, it wasn’t an overnight decision. I wanted to make it beautiful. I wanted to make it awesome. I wanted to make it everything it possibly could be, and sometimes that just doesn’t happen.”
The divorce was finalized in March 2022, after a contentious legal battle over custody, spousal support, and property, including their Montana ranch. Clarkson was granted primary custody of River and Remy, and she was ordered to pay Blackstock a one-time payment of $1.3 million, along with ongoing support. A California labor commissioner also ruled in 2023 that Blackstock had overstepped his role as her manager, ordering him to repay $2.6 million in commissions. Despite these challenges, Clarkson remained committed to co-parenting, ensuring their children maintained a strong relationship with their father. A source told People, “She always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.”
Clarkson’s 2023 album Chemistry explored the full arc of their relationship, from love to heartbreak. In a Variety interview, she explained, “It was very important for me to not just have a divorce album. I wanted an entire relationship to be covered. You listen to ‘Magic’ and it’s like, ‘Man, I’m willing to do this for you. Like, we all have our own damage. I have mine too; I’ll share mine, you share yours; we can do this.’” The album was a cathartic outlet, allowing Clarkson to process the complexities of their relationship.
Reflecting on “Piece by Piece” after their split, Clarkson told The Hollywood Reporter in 2023, “When I wrote ‘Piece by Piece,’ it was a very hopeful song. I wasn’t able to say everything at the time. A lot of that song is about what I desired and what I hoped and what I saw in someone. And it turns out I might not be singing that song again. It turns out that I maybe did marry into what I didn’t want to do in the first place.” This candid reflection revealed the pain of their divorce but also her growth in recognizing unhealthy patterns.
Beautiful Things Said Before His Passing
Despite their difficult divorce, Clarkson’s love for Blackstock as the father of her children remained evident. On August 6, 2025, she announced she was postponing her Las Vegas residency, Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions, to be with River and Remy during Blackstock’s illness. In an Instagram post, 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. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.” This statement reflected her dedication to their children and her respect for Blackstock’s role in their lives.
A source told Us Weekly that Clarkson had been helping care for Blackstock during his illness, noting, “It’s been exhausting and so sad… Kelly has been working so hard, as well as looking after Brandon. Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father.” This insight revealed Clarkson’s compassion and commitment to supporting Blackstock, even after their marriage ended.
In a January 2024 interview with People, Clarkson spoke about the challenges of co-parenting but also acknowledged Blackstock’s importance to their children, saying, “You feel alone, and it’s just a blessing to be able to have that outlet for those emotions that are overwhelming.” Her words underscored her focus on maintaining a positive environment for River and Remy, even amidst personal challenges.
Conclusion
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s relationship was a journey of love, family, and resilience, marked by moments of profound joy and inevitable heartbreak. From their serendipitous meeting in 2006 to their marriage and the birth of their children, Clarkson’s words about Blackstock painted a picture of a man who brought laughter, love, and stability to her life. Even after their divorce, her commitment to their children and her care for Blackstock during his illness spoke to the enduring bond they shared as a family. As the world mourns Blackstock’s passing on August 7, 2025, Clarkson’s reflections remind us of the beauty and complexity of love, even in the face of loss. Her words, filled with honesty and heart, will continue to resonate with fans, offering a glimpse into a relationship that, while imperfect, was deeply meaningful.
