Kelly Clarkson's First Outing Since Brandon Blackstock's Death Hints at Her Emotional State

Kelly Clarkson is slowly making her way back to the spotlight after the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. 

The 43-year-old talk show host was spotted at LAX after jetting into the international terminal in Los Angeles on Aug. 23. According to Page Six, which obtained the photos, she was joined by her sister, Alyssa, and her two children, River, 11, and Remington, 9. 

The appearance was described by the media outlet as “somber” as Clarkson was dressed in an all-black ALO leisurewear ensemble and accessorized with dark sunglasses and an oversized black cowboy hat. With tons of suitcases in tow, she’s likely in town to continue filming Season 29 of The Voice after taking a short hiatus to mourn her ex. 

Despite their contentious divorce and subsequent court battles, Clarkson was concerned about her kids’ well-being in the wake of his death. 

“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 on her Instagram page just hours ahead of Blackstock’s passing. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows, and I so appreciate your grace, kindness, and understanding.”

The Daily Mail revealed Clarkson’s reported complicated feelings about the situation. 

“She separated her personal feelings about Brandon after the divorce, and she progressed from there,” a source explained. “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.” 

After Blackstock’s death, Clarkson reportedly “doesn’t feel great,” but keeping River and Remington close by is “helping her to cope with the onslaught of emotions.” It’s going to be a long road ahead because the last five years were filled with a rough divorce, legal bombshells, Blackstock’s relationship with her assistant, and his secret battle with cancer.

There is a lot to unpack for the entire family, so Clarkson is easing her way back to public life. 

Before you go, click here to see which celebrity kids lost their parents too soon.