On August 7, 2025, Brandon Blackstock — music manager and the ex-husband of singer and TV host Kelly Clarkson — passed away at the age of 48. The cause of death was melanoma, a diagnosis he kept private from the public for nearly three years. His death marks a deeply emotional moment for Clarkson, their two children, and many close to them. In the midst of personal loss, questions have also arisen regarding the future of The Kelly Clarkson Show, her daytime talk show now entering its seventh season.
A Complicated Past
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock married in 2013 and were considered one of the more stable couples in entertainment for years. Blackstock, the stepson of country legend Reba McEntire, had also been Clarkson’s manager and played an influential role in her career. However, the couple filed for divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. What followed was a prolonged and at times messy legal battle over custody, property, and spousal support, drawing considerable media attention.
Narvel Blackstock, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Brandon Blackstock attend Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night XXI at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on March 28, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona. | Source: Getty Images
Their divorce was finalized in 2022, but they remained connected through their two children: River Rose (born in 2014) and Remington Alexander (born in 2016). Despite their legal disputes, Clarkson reportedly prioritized maintaining a sense of peace for the sake of their kids — something that became even more important during Blackstock’s cancer battle.
A Private Health Battle
Blackstock’s death was especially shocking to fans and the entertainment industry because his illness had not been publicly disclosed. According to sources close to the family, he was diagnosed with melanoma shortly after the divorce was finalized. Choosing to fight the disease privately, he underwent treatment while retreating from the public eye and from the music business.
Throughout his illness, Kelly Clarkson was reportedly aware of his condition and, according to insiders, did her best to support him from a distance — not as a spouse, but as the mother of his children. A source close to Clarkson told People, “She remained protective of him for their kids’ sake. Despite everything, she wanted them to have a relationship with their father, and she didn’t want the past to get in the way of that.”
Clarkson’s Grief and Family Focus
Following the announcement of Blackstock’s death, Clarkson postponed several professional engagements, including her Studio Sessions Las Vegas residency, which had been set to run at Caesars Palace through August and September. On social media, Clarkson shared a brief but heartfelt message: “Right now, my focus is on my children and being there for them. Everything else can wait.”
Friends say the decision to pause her work came easily. “Kelly is devastated — not just for herself, but for her kids,” another insider told Page Six. “She’s trying to be strong for them, but it’s an incredibly emotional time.”
Despite their difficult past, sources say Clarkson has been candid with her children about their father’s illness and passing, providing emotional support and keeping their lives as stable as possible.
The Future of The Kelly Clarkson Show
Amid this personal loss, Clarkson’s professional commitments — particularly her Emmy-winning talk show — are also under scrutiny. The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has been renewed through 2026 by NBC, is entering its seventh season. According to recent reports, Season 7 is still expected to air this fall, with filming tentatively scheduled to begin in late August.
NBC has not officially changed the premiere date, but ticket availability for audience tapings in early September suggests the show is moving forward. However, minor production delays are possible, as Clarkson takes the time she needs with her family. If there are changes to the schedule, they are expected to be brief and handled with sensitivity.
According to TV insiders, the upcoming season will continue to blend celebrity interviews, heartfelt human-interest stories, and Clarkson’s popular “Kellyoke” musical segments. The show’s production team has expressed full support for Clarkson, affirming that she will return when she’s ready and that the format and tone of the show will continue to evolve in alignment with her personal journey.
Shelby Blackstock poses with family in a photo shared on March 6, 2025. | Source: Instagram/shelbyblackstock
Career Resilience and Growth
While grieving, Clarkson is not stepping back from her career entirely. She is still slated to return as a coach on Season 29 of The Voice, which premieres later this year. Additionally, her new NBC primetime series, Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson, is expected to launch in late August 2025. The show, which features Clarkson performing and interviewing artists in a more intimate setting, has already filmed several episodes and is not expected to be delayed.
This dual presence on daytime and primetime TV underscores Clarkson’s unique role in the entertainment landscape. Few artists have managed to maintain successful careers across music, talk TV, and reality competition, and Clarkson’s authenticity continues to win over viewers.
Navigating Loss in the Public Eye
Clarkson has always been known for her emotional honesty, both in her music and in her TV work. Whether singing about heartbreak or speaking with guests about real-life struggles, she’s made relatability her brand. It’s likely that in time, she will address Blackstock’s death on The Kelly Clarkson Show, using it as a moment of connection with her audience.
“I don’t know how to be anything but real,” Clarkson has said in past interviews. That realness has resonated with fans, especially those who have followed her journey from American Idol winner to chart-topping artist, mother, divorcee, and daytime TV staple.
Shelby Blackstock poses with family in a photo shared on March 6, 2025. | Source: Instagram/shelbyblackstock
A Legacy Beyond the Headlines
While headlines tend to focus on the drama of celebrity divorces or shocking deaths, the story of Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock is ultimately one of complex human emotion: love, loss, pain, growth, and resilience. Their journey included triumphs and tensions, but also two children who are now navigating life without their father.
Clarkson has expressed her belief that family comes first, and in this season of loss, she is living out that belief with conviction. At the same time, her work continues to serve as a platform for empathy, inspiration, and, above all, music — the constant in her ever-evolving life.
As The Kelly Clarkson Show returns, fans can expect a host who is more seasoned by life than ever before — someone who brings not only her talent but also her truth to every episode.
Conclusion
Brandon Blackstock’s death is a significant moment in Kelly Clarkson’s life, bringing grief but also reflection. While she is taking time to care for her children and process the loss, her professional future — including The Kelly Clarkson Show and other projects — remains strong. With the support of her team and audience, Clarkson is poised to return with renewed purpose, blending her resilience and compassion into everything she does.
