UPDATE: Reality Tea is saddened to hear of the death of Brandon Blackstock, following his battle with cancer. What follows is our original article before the news broke…
Reality television icon Kelly Clarkson has just revealed that her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, is sick. Now, this original American Idol winner turned judge and talk show host has to make a few changes in her life to accommodate for the things that he cannot do based on his illness.
No. Kelly is not sitting by his bedside with a warm cup of soup, trying to help Brandon heal. Instead, she is standing present for their children, River and Remington. Co-parenting with her ex has not been an easy task, but Kelly loves her kids so she is making moves that will benefit them during this time.
So, what is the story here? Why has her co-parenting journey with Brandon been so taxing for Kelly? We will tell you everything we know now.
Kelly Clarkson revealed her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock is sick after postponing Vegas residency
What is wrong with Brandon Blackstock? Based on a recent post made by Kelly, followers know that he has been seriously ill for a while. And because of this, Kelly is now postponing her August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas.
After revealing that her remaining shows are now on pause, Kelly explained that typically, she prefers to keep her “personal life private.”
While justifying her decision to step away from her shows, Kelly noted, “This past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.” She then explained that she felt “sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets” to see her live performances in Las Vegas. Finally, shutting down any potential nay-sayers, Kelly left little room for any arguments by ending her statement with a request. She desires for everyone to respond using only “grace, kindness, and understanding,” she stressed.
Kelly Clarkson and ex Brandon Blackstock relationship timeline
In 2006, Kelly attended a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards. While here, Brandon walked by. He made everyone laugh, she gushed in a past interview with PEOPLE. His humor is what made her realize that this was going to be her guy.
The pair did not go on any dates because Kelly had to keep her crush hidden. You see, Brandon was married. After his divorce in 2012, however, Kelly and the newly single Brandon reconnected at the Super Bowl. Shortly after, they finally went on their first date.
By the end of that same year, Brandon proposed, and Kelly said yes. Their wedding took place in 2013 at Blackberry Farms in Tennessee. Following their wedding, Kelly and Brandon welcomed two children. Their daughter River arrived in 2014, followed by their son, Remy, in 2016.
Brandon then took over the role of her manager, holding this position from 2017 to 2020. During this time, he encouraged his then-wife to host a talk show, and in 2019, The Kelly Clarkson Show launched. As the lockdowns wreaked havoc on the entertainment industry the following year, Brandon and Kelly fled to their Montana ranch. Here, she filmed remote episodes of her show for her fans.
Finally, after seven years of marriage, Kelly filed for divorce on June 4, 2020, citing irreconcilable differences.
Kelly and Brandon had a contentious divorce in 2020
Divorces are never easy, as everyone knows. However, Kelly’s made the headlines because their split was so contentious that it took over two years to finalize.
Even though Kelly maintained a mostly positive appearance on her series, behind closed doors, her divorce from Brandon was quickly souring. From custody battles to property and financial fights, Kelly and Brandon had a lot to sort through.
Then, Kelly got slapped with a horrific lawsuit from Starstruck Entertainment. This company was (and still is) run by her former father-in-law. In this lawsuit, her ex-family member sought millions of dollars in damages. According to their claims, Kelly had failed to pay this organization a massive amount of commissions.
Wildly, they tried to take credit for her fame, even though American Idol put her on the map long before Starstruck Entertainment ever entered the picture. Instead of bowing down, Kelly countersued. According to Kelly, Starstruck violated California’s Talent Agencies Act. They were operating as unlicensed talent agents, she said, seeking a return of over $2.6 million in already-paid commissions.
In 2023, the courts awarded Kelly a win. However, Starstruck quickly filed an appeal. Thankfully, in 2024, both parties confidentially settled, putting an end to these contentious dealings.
With any luck, Kelly will be back in Vegas belting her heart out in no time.
