That camping trip your family still talks about? Science says it’s worth more than any toy under the tree.
Kelly Clarkson has her priorities straight as her kids grieve the loss of their father.
The 43-year-old “Since U Been Gone” singer, who shares two kids — River Rose, 12, and Remington Alexander, 9 — with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, is reportedly “heartbroken” for her children.
But she’s doing everything she can to stay strong so they can grieve in peace.
READ MORE: Brandon Blackstock’s death came weeks after 23-year-old daughter announced pregnancy
"Kelly is obviously heartbroken for her kids. Losing their dad is incredibly painful and confusing," one source close to the singer told People on Jan. 2.
"But she's also very grounded. She's not someone who falls apart. She looks at life realistically and does everything she can to make things as steady and loving as possible for her kids,” the source added.
According to People, her main focus right now is “to be present for her kids” and be a “great mom.”
The comments come five months after Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, died after a three-year battle with cancer.
His death was announced on Aug. 7. He was 48.
In addition to Kelly Clarkson’s kids, Blackstock also shares two kids — daughter Savannah and son Seth — with first wife Melissa Ashworth, whom he was married to from 2001 to 2012, per TODAY.com.
Kelly Clarkson’s children have always come first
Clarkson and Blackstock met during a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2006, according to People.
The couple got engaged in 2012 and tied the knot in 2014 before separating in 2020 and finalizing their divorce in 2022, per the outlet.
READ MORE: Brandon Blackstock’s pregnant daughter breaks silence on father’s death. ‘My favorite Cowboy’
In a 2023 appearance on Angie Martinez's “IRL” podcast, Clarkson revealed some of the tough conversations she has had with her kids since finalizing her divorce to Blackstock.
"I ask my kids every night when we're snuggling and I put them to bed, 'Are you happy? And if you're not, what could make you happier?' " Clarkson said at the time, per People.
“A lot of times it would be like, 'I'm just really sad. I wish Mommy and Daddy were in the same house.' They're really honest about it. I'm raising that kind of individual,” she added.
Following Brandon Blackstock’s death, a source told People that Clarkson was “devastated” for her kids.
“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” they said. “Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well.”
Even with the divorce, Clarkson made sure to never speak bad about Blackstock for her kids’ sake.
ALSO ON MOD MOMS CLUB: Kelly Clarkson Jokes She’s ‘Trying My Best’ as a Mom: ‘You’re Gonna End Up in Therapy One Day’
"The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful and something she felt terrible about,” the source added. “But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad.
