Kelly Clarkson cared for ex Brandon Blackstock during ‘serious’ cancer battle

Kelly Clarkson took a leave of absence earlier this year to help care for her sick ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who was battling cancer, multiple sources told Page Six. Blackstock tragically died at age 48, his family announced Thursday.

Clarkson left fans in the dark when she suddenly took time off from NBC’s “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in February and March, leaving celeb pals to fill in for her.

Behind the scenes, she was looking after Blackstock, the father of her daughter River, 10, and son Remington, 8. Their divorce was finalized in 2022.

“It’s been exhausting and so sad… ” a source told Page Six. “Kelly has been working so hard, as well as looking after Brandon. Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father.”

Clarkson, 43, announced Wednesday night that she was canceling the rest of the August dates of her “Studio Sessions” Las Vegas residency to be with Blackstock, 48, whom we were previously told had a “serious” illness.

“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them,” Clarkson shared.

The “Breakaway” singer has primary custody of River and Remington after her bitter split from talent agent Blackstock, who is the former stepson of country star Reba McEntire.

“I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding,” the “American Idol” winner posted on her Instagram Wednesday.

Clarkson’s next round of performances is scheduled for November 2025, according to her website.

The singer-turned-talk-show-host of was off the air for almost two weeks in March, leaving stars including Andy Cohen, Simu Liu, Brooke Shields and Willie Geist to step in for her.

She returned to taping on March 18, but was then replaced by a guest host the following day, before returning for the March 20 episode.

Clarkson then axed the opening night of her “Studio Sessions” residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace just 90 minutes before showtime, devastating fans.

She could not risk causing “serious damage” to her voice, since, as one Vegas insider told us, “She belts out every single note. She’s an incredibly powerful singer, but it takes its toll on her vocal cords and she’s come incredibly close to needing surgery before.”

Tellingly, a second insider in the know added at the time: “Kelly’s personal life is so insanely complicated … Kelly is fighting some serious hidden battles that very few people are privy to … it’s a source of emotional and therefore physical distress for her.”

Clarkson has been candid about just how much the divorce — which came after seven years of marriage — and ensuing legal battle took out of her, telling Apple Music in 2023, “Just to be brutally honest, I did not handle [the divorce] well.”

We have reached out to reps for Clarkson.

While all this has been going on, sources told us that Clarkson — who moved to New York City for the show — is keen to leave the program when her contract expires next year, to spend more time focused on her kids and music.

When married, Clarkson and Blackstock shared homes in Nashville, Los Angeles and Montana.