Why Kelly Clarkson feels guilty over ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s death: report

Kelly Clarkson reportedly feels guilty over her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s death, questioning whether the stress of their contentious divorce was detrimental for his health.

Blackstock — who was married to Clarkson from October 2013 to March 2022 — died earlier this month at the age of 48 following a private, three-year battle with melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.

“Kelly is aware of talk that stress can impact the body and make someone more susceptible to cancer,” a source told the Daily Mail Wednesday.

“Although the timing could be purely coincidental, she knows how much tension the divorce and lawsuits put on them.”

While the source insisted Clarkson, 43, “doesn’t blame herself,” they emphasized that she’s “conscious that the double whammy of the divorce and the fact that he had to repay her millions of dollars was very tough on him.”

A second source echoed the sentiments, noting that the “American Idol” Season 1 winner “doesn’t want to harp on about what this might have done for Brandon’s health, but it does cross her mind. And it does make her think that maybe she could [have] done more, even though that is unrealistic at its core.”

According to the second source, Clarkson set aside the “frustrating” split “once the cancer came into the situation.”

The Grammy winner reportedly “felt bad” and immediately jumped into action to “protect” their children: daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9.

The source added that “being there for her kids is helping her to cope with the onslaught of emotions.”

A rep for Clarkson did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock — who served as her talent manager during their marriage — in June 2020.

While the Grammy winner was granted primary custody of their kids, she was ordered to pay Blackstock millions in both spousal support and child support.

The exes also fought over their Montana ranch, which Clarkson ultimately got to keep. The musician later sued Blackstock for overcharging her when he represented her, and he was ordered to return $2.6 million.