Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, passed away after battling melanoma for about 3 years earlier this year. Although Kelly and Brandon seemed to have a bit of a complicated past with their divorce, a source told Star that, Kelly "put all the bad blood to one side and went out of her way to make his last days as comfortable and non-confrontational as possible."
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In an August Instagram announcement, Clarkson told fans that she would be cancelling the remainder of her Vegas residency to be with her and Brandon's kids, River Rose and Remy Alexander, during Brandon's final days.
"While I normally keep my personal life private," she wrote. "This past year, my children's father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness andunderstanding."
Since then, Clarkson has returned to The Kelly Clarkson Show in full swing. However, it's definitely worth acknowledging that her choice to be there for Brandon couldn't have been an easy one, especially after all they've been through.
"There's no doubt Kelly is still pretty scarred by how awful the marriage to Brandon turned out. She's been very open about that," the Star source continues. "The divorce was tumultuous and took a huge toll on her, but as time passes, the wounds continue to heal, so she's getting there, slowly but surely."
The Divorce That Started It All
Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson first met in 2006, when Brandon was still married to his first wife, Melissa Ashworth. The two wouldn't go on their first date until 2012, after Clarkson performed the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Their engagement was quick, happening around 10 months after their first date, with marriage following 10 months later.
However, about seven years into their marriage, Clarkson filed for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the main reason. Kelly would also sue Brandon and his father for $2.6 million, claiming they acted as unlicensed talent agents on several of Clarkson's endeavors.
Now, it seems that Clarkson is focusing on her family, despite the tumultuous memories left with her following the divorce and Brandon's battle with cancer. "For all his faults, he was an extremely loving, protective dad," the source explains. "She'll forever be grateful that Brandon gave her a beautiful family."
