Kelly Clarkson has been quietly dealing with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s illness for months — going public with the news in August 2025 after cancelling a series of shows.
“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 captioned an August 2025 Instagram post, announcing that her Las Vegas residency had been postponed for the time being.
Clarkson married Blackstock in 2013. The former couple share daughter River Rose (born in June 2014) and son Remy (born in April 2016).
The American Idol winner filed for divorce from Blackstock in 2020. Their messy split, which included a court battle over property and finances, was finalized two years later. Clarkson received full primary custody of their two kids and relocated the family to New York City.
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Fans have speculated that Clarkson has taken subtle jabs at her ex several times since their tumultuous breakup, even going changing the lyrics to her song “Piece by Piece” in July 2025, but a source told Us Weekly exclusively in April 2023 that the singer has reached a “great” place in her coparenting relationship with Blackstock.
“Things haven’t always been easy in terms of their personal relationship,” the insider shared at the time. “However, they’ve come a long way and are handling things with their kids really well.”
Keep scrolling for a timeline of Clarkson’s recent canceled shows and missing appearances:
March 2025
Clarkson had a series of surprise absences from The Kelly Clarkson Show with various celebrities filling in.
Simu Liu was a two-day guest host before Clarkson returned. She took another brief hiatus and Roy Wood Jr., Wanda Sykes, Brooke Shields, Molly Sims and Willie Geist stepped in.
At the time, it was widely reported that Clarkson’s absence from the show was due to a personal matter. No further details were revealed.
July 2025
Months after her talk show absences, Clarkson took to Instagram and announced that she had to postpone her Las Vegas residency.
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“We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans,” she shared in a social media statement. “I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars. The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice.”
The “Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions – The Las Vegas Residency” show was set for 18 performances starting on July 4 and ending on November 15.
“I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve. The show is truly incredible,” she added. “The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong. I can’t wait to be back next weekend and show y’all what we’ve been working on.”
August 2025
Clarkson postponed the shows for a second time due to Blackstock’s illness — nearly one month after kicking off the run of shows.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” she shared. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows, and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
