Inside Kelly Clarkson's Relationship with Ex Brandon Blackstock After 2022 Divorce Settlement

What began as a high-profile divorce eventually gave way to resolution and reflection, as Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock quietly closed the chapter on their legal battles – just months before his passing, and amid a renewed focus on family.

Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock in June 2020, bringing their nearly seven-year marriage to an end. Initially, the two remained committed to co-parenting their children, River and Remington.

However, by November 2020, Clarkson was granted primary physical custody, with court documents noting that co-parenting had become "difficult" due to "issues of trust between them."

Beyond their personal split, legal disputes emerged on the professional front. Starstruck Management, the firm owned by Blackstock's family and his former management team, filed a lawsuit against Clarkson claiming she owed over $1.4 million in unpaid commissions.

In response, Clarkson filed documents alleging that Blackstock, Starstruck, and his associates had violated California's Talent Agencies Act, which states that "a manager, like any person without a talent agency license, cannot procure or attempt to procure employment for artists."

Their divorce was finalized in March 2022. As part of the settlement, Clarkson was ordered to make a one-time payment of just over $1.3 million to Blackstock and pay $45,601 per month in child support.

The legal battle over their business dealings continued even after the divorce. In November 2023, a California labor commissioner ruled that Blackstock must repay Clarkson $2,641,374 after determining he had acted beyond the scope of his managerial role and secured deals that should have been handled by a licensed talent agent.

Clarkson later filed additional documents in early 2024 suggesting Blackstock could owe her more. However, he and his firm denied "each and every allegation" made. By May 2024, both parties agreed to drop their lawsuits, officially ending their legal disputes.

On August 6, 2025, Clarkson shared a personal update via Instagram, revealing that Blackstock had been dealing with health issues. She also announced she would be postponing dates for her Las Vegas residency to prioritize her children during the difficult time.

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

Just one day later, Blackstock's family confirmed that he had died from cancer at the age of 48.