‘Kelly Clarkson Show’ Future Confirmed Following Ex-Husband’s Tragic Death

The fate of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” has been decided, and the news comes during an incredibly difficult time for its host.

Kelly Clarkson is mourning the lack of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who tragically passed away at just 48 years old after a quiet, years-long battle with cancer.

His death has left the entertainment world grieving alongside the singer, while many fans wondered what it might mean for Kelly Clarkson’s hit daytime talk show.

Based on TMZ, “The Kelly Clarkson Show” is officially locked in for a seventh season and can return with fresh episodes in September.

The renewal confirmation follows months of cancellations across Clarkson’s schedule, moves that sparked concern and speculation amongst fans. While she didn’t address the explanations on the time, it now appears those decisions were likely tied to Blackstock’s private health battle.

The heartbreaking news of Blackstock’s passing got here just someday after Clarkson revealed his illness publicly for the primary time.

In an emotional Instagram post on August 6, the “Stronger” singer announced she was canceling the remainder of her Las Vegas Studio Sessions to be with the couple’s two children, River Rose, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 8.

“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past 12 months, my children’s father has been in poor health and at this moment, I should be fully present for them,” Clarkson wrote to fans and followers.

Someday later, it was revealed that her ex had passed.

“It’s with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the statement read. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for greater than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thanks in your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

A source told PEOPLE that while Clarkson is “staying strong” for her children following the death of her ex-husband, she is “absolutely heartbroken” for them.

“Kelly and Brandon had their ups and downs, but at the top of the day, he was the daddy of her children and he or she is completely heartbroken for them,” the insider said. “Her kids are her entire world, and he or she’s staying strong for his or her sake.”

One other source told PEOPLE that Clarkson has “been devastated” for her kids throughout his illness.

“When she came upon that he was sick, she remained protective of him for his or her sake,” the source explained, adding, “Kelly has all the time tried to maintain things classy. It became clear earlier this 12 months that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the youngsters.”

The pair first met in May 2006 while Clarkson was rehearsing for the Academy of Country Music Awards. On the time, Blackstock was still married to his first wife, Melissa Ashworth.

Fast forward and Blackstock and Ashworth’s divorce was finalized in 2012, the identical 12 months fate brought him and Clarkson back together on the Super Bowl, where she performed the national anthem.  One week later, they went on their first date, and by December, Blackstock had popped the query.

The couple tied the knot on October 20, 2013, at Blackberry Farms in Walland, Tennessee, and shortly after welcomed two children, daughter River in 2014 and son Remington in 2016. Blackstock also became Clarkson’s talent manager, encouraging her to launch “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in 2019 and overseeing a part of her stint on “The Voice” from 2018 to 2023.

But behind the scenes, cracks were forming.

Clarkson ultimately filed for divorce in June 2020, just months after the family quarantined in Montana throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, citing “irreconcilable differences,” and their split was finalized in 2022. She was awarded primary physical custody of the youngsters but ordered to pay her ex $45,000 a month in child support.

In 2023, Clarkson accused Blackstock of overcharging her as a manager and won a ruling ordering him to pay back $2.6 million.

The next 12 months, she alleged he told her she wasn’t “sexy” enough to be a judge on “The Voice,” citing the claim in court filings connected to the lawsuit.