Kelly Clarkson "Never Spoke Poorly About Brandon to the Kids" Despite Messy Divorce

Kelly Clarkson is a classy woman who takes the high road. She and her ex, Brandon Blackstock, who died yesterday of cancer at age 48, had a very contentious divorce. Still, per People, the beloved singer and TV show host "always wanted her kids to have the best possible relationship with their dad," according to a source. That truly shows Clarkson's character and dedication to being a wonderful mother to youngsters River, 11, and Remington, 9. The loss of Blackstock at such a young age is undoubtedly a crushing blow to all three of them.

As the source explained, "When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake. Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She's been devastated for the kids."

The source continued, "The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful and something she felt terrible about. But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids."

Clarkson Candidly Discussed Co-Parenting Two Years Ago

Per the outlet via the IRL podcast, she said at the time, "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?' Especially the past two years ... it kills me [but] I want them to be honest so I don't ever say, 'Oh God, don't tell me that,' but 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."

Clarkson says she tried hard to reassure them. "I just sit there and I'm like, 'I get it. I'm from a divorced family as well. I get it. That sucks. But we're going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us.'"

She Spoke About the Difficulty of Raising Kids After a Marital Split

Claukson, 43, said in 2021 on her daytime TV show that co-parenting is challenging. Nevertheless, she consistently kept the focus where it belongs - on the kids. "It's tough. ... I know with me and Brandon, it's just a difficult thing because we're in different places, and it's like, we both agree on the main things, but it's a hard thing when you're not together all the time, for me personally. As long as you make sure it's about the children and their best interests, then we're both on board."