Kelly Clarkson explains why she's 'unwilling' to date after ex-husband's death

Clarkson's ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, died last year, leaving behind their two young children

Web Desk

Published September 30, 2026

Clarkson and Blackstock were married from 2013 to 2020

Kelly Clarkson is putting her children first as she navigates life after the death of their father, Brandon Blackstock.

Appearing on the Las Culturistas podcast on Wednesday, September 30, the pop icon explained why she is not dating at the moment.

“My kids right now, I think there’s a lot behind that, but I think that would rock their boat a little bit,” Clarkson, 44, said.

The three-time Grammy winner also admitted she is happy with her life as it stands and noted that relationships require people to “give some of your time up,” which she is “unwilling” to do.

The Since U Been Gone hitmaker shares daughter River, 12, and son Remington, 10, with Blackstock, who died in August 2025 following a battle with melanoma.

Clarkson and Blackstock married in 2013 and finalised their divorce in 2022. Despite their messy split, the singer has continued prioritising her children, even postponing her Las Vegas residency when Blackstock fell ill.

“My children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them,” she said in a statement one day before Blackstock’s death.