Kelly Clarkson is heartbroken for her children after the passing of their father and her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
A source told People that the "Stronger" songstress remained "protective" of their children, River, 11, and Remington, 9, over the last three years as the former talent manager, whom she divorced in 2020 after seven years of marriage, battled cancer privately.
"When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake. Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids."
Despite how "painful" and "messy" their divorce was, Clarkson never spoke negatively about Blackstock to her children.
"The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful and something she felt terrible about. But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids."
News of Blackstock's tragic passing broke the same day the "Since U Been Gone" songstress cancelled her remaining Las Vegas residency shows for August, citing his illness and the need to be there for their kids.
In March, Clarkson quietly stepped away from her eponymous talk show for several episodes, a decision reportedly linked to her ex-husband’s battle with melanoma.
For more, read Kelly Clarkson Abruptly Disappeared From Her Talk Show & Fans Are Concerned. See the hitmaker's message about postponing her August studio sessions below.