The future of The Kelly Clarkson Show has been confirmed following the death of Clarkson’s former husband, Brandon Blackstock.
According to TMZ, the Emmy Award–winning program will proceed with its planned return for a seventh season in September, despite the recent family tragedy.
Blackstock, aged forty-eight, passed away on Thursday after a three-and-a-half-year battle with melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
Clarkson, forty-three, and Blackstock share two children — daughter River, eleven, and son Remington, nine — from their nine-year marriage, which concluded in 2020.
Brandon Blackstock is also survived by his 23-year-old daughter, Savannah, who is currently expecting a child, and his son, Seth, both from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth.
A family representative confirmed his passing in a statement issued Thursday, saying: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away.”
The family’s statement further noted: “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.”
On Wednesday, prior to the public announcement of his death, Kelly Clarkson disclosed online that a health matter affecting Blackstock had prompted her to postpone the remaining August dates of her Las Vegas residency.
She wrote: “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas. 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. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
Earlier this year, viewers of The Kelly Clarkson Show had speculated about the program’s future amid several unexplained absences by the host. Clarkson and Blackstock began their relationship in 2012 and were married the following year.#newsafro_
