Kelly Clarkson left with no choice after the death of ex-husband Brandon Blackstock

Kelly Clarkson is reportedly overwhelmed with grief after the death of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock from cancer.

For those unaware, Blackstock succumbed to melanoma, a kind of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes, at the age of 48 on August 7, 2025.

Radar Online claimed that the pals of the 43-year-old Grammy-winning singer-songwriter are forcing her to take a break from her busy work schedule, without giving a thought to the loss of million-dollar projects after the demise of Blackstock, with whom she shares her two young children.

They have also advised Clarkson to briefly step aside from the entertainment world to spend time with her kids and friends and step back into showbiz once she completely heals.

"Kelly's absolutely shattered and in no place to be performing on stage or hosting her show," an insider told the outlet.

"That may change soon – it's a day-by-day situation. But what's more important than anything else to her right now is protecting and nurturing her kids, who of course are in pieces over losing their dad. Kelly is pouring the small amount of energy she has into looking after them,” they revealed.

Notably, in the last few months, Clarkson had been “flying back and forth to Montana, where he lived,” leaving behind all the differences, as “she loved him once upon a time” and was coparenting with him despite it even though it turned out to be an absolute struggle for her.

The Broken and Beautiful songstress and Blackstock, who was a talent manager by profession, tied the knot in October 2013, welcomed two children together, daughter River, 11, and son Remy, 9, and annulled their marriage in June 2020.

However, their divorce was finalised in March 2022, two years after Clarkson filed for it.

Now, “she's asking her TV bosses and concert organizers for as much time as they can spare her. It's likely to cost her an absolute fortune,” the insider concluded.