Kelly Clarkson seen for the first time since ex Brandon Blackstock’s death

Kelly Clarkson was spotted arriving at LAX in her first somber public outing since the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.

In photos obtained by Page Six, the “American Idol” winner wore head-to-toe black, including a wide-brimmed cowboy hat and sunglasses, while arriving at the international hub with her sister Alyssa and kids, River, 11, and Remington, 9, in tow.

The “Kelly Clarkson Show” host kept a serious expression as she hoisted luggage and made her way into the airport.

Kelly Clarkson in a black cowboy hat.

Kelly Clarkson was seen for the first time since ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s death. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID

Kelly Clarkson in black clothing.

The Grammy winner wore head-to-toe black while arriving at LAX. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID

Kelly Clarkson in black clothing.

The “American Idol” alum kept a low profile in a black cowboy hat and sunglasses. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID

Clarkson, 43, hasn’t been seen since since news broke that her ex-husband died at age 47 on Aug. 7, following a private, years-long battle with melanoma.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a family spokesperson told Page Six at the time.

“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

Kelly Clarkson in a black hat and sunglasses.

Clarkson’s sister Alyssa and two children accompanied her. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID

Kelly Clarkson handling baggage.

The hitmaker was seen hoisting baggage before making her way into the airport. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID

Kelly Clarkson in a black outfit.

She wore a serious expression during the outing. LionsShareNews / BACKGRID

On the eve of his death, the songstress took to Instagram to announce she was cancelling Las Vegas residency shows — for the second time — due to Blackstock’s 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,” she wrote less than 24 hours before his death.

“I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”

Want more celebrity and pop culture news?

Start your day with Page Six Daily.

Thanks for signing up!

Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson in a snapshot.

Blackstock died on Aug. 7 after a private battle with melanoma. Instagram/@kellyclarkson

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock at an event.

Clarkson married Blackstock in 2013 and finalized her divorce from him in 2022. FilmMagic

The “Stronger” hitmaker —  who married Blackstock in 2013 and finalized her divorce from him in 2022 — has reportedly dealt with feelings of guilt following his death.

Following their contentious custody battle, in which Clarkson ultimately gained custody of their children, the singer reportedly wondered if their volatile divorce affected his health.

“Kelly is aware of talk that stress can impact the body and make someone more susceptible to cancer,” an insider told the Daily Mail Wednesday. “Although the timing could be purely coincidental, she knows how much tension the divorce and lawsuits put on them.”

Kelly Clarkson sits with Brandon Blackstock.

Following his death, Clarkson reportedly struggled with feelings of guilt. Getty Images for NARAS

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock smile.

The mom of three reportedly “doesn’t blame herself” for Blackstock’s illness, but is said to be conscious of the stress of their divorce. Instagram/@kellyclarkson

The insider added that the mom of three “doesn’t blame herself,” but added 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 told the outlet that the Grammy winner “separated her personal feelings about Brandon after the divorce, and she progressed from there.”

“While it was frustrating to deal with him in divorce, once the cancer came into the situation, she felt bad, it took a toll on her because she had to think of her kids’ feelings and to protect them,” they added.

Audrey Rock
Read More

Latest

Tencent Music Posts 7.3% Q1 2026 Revenue Jump, Points to Triple-Digit Live Growth and Continued Superfan Expansion

A live performance from Jay Chou, whose Children of the Sun is said to have generated about $14.7 million on Tencent Music during Q1 2026. Photo Credit: GEM_Ady Amid a continued SVIP expansion and a triple-digit revenue boost on the concerts side, Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) has reported nearly $1.2 billion in Q1 2026 revenue.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Tencent Music Posts 7.3% Q1 2026 Revenue Jump, Points to Triple-Digit Live Growth and Continued Superfan Expansion

A live performance from Jay Chou, whose Children of the Sun is said to have generated about $14.7 million on Tencent Music during Q1 2026. Photo Credit: GEM_Ady Amid a continued SVIP expansion and a triple-digit revenue boost on the concerts side, Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) has reported nearly $1.2 billion in Q1 2026 revenue.

BLXCKIE Previews New Song “Uphi Usomnyama”

MusicBLXCKIE Previews New Song “Uphi Usomnyama.” The SA...

WD sees sustainability as key business driver in an ‘AI economy’

Hard drive company WD promoted long-term operations and sustainability executive Jackie Jung to become its first chief sustainability officer in February, as it steps up sales to companies building AI data centers. Her vision: Turn sustainability into a “brand” for WD, a strategy that reduces risk for the $6 billion company (formerly known as Western

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand

Getting a business loan now comes with a frequent flyer upside

Australian fintech Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards, letting eligible SMEs earn up to 500,000 points per loan. What’s happening: Australian fintech lender Prospa has partnered with Qantas Business Rewards to allow eligible small and medium business owners to earn up to 500,000 Qantas Points per loan when taking out a Prospa Small Business