Kelly Clarkson Gets Candid About Staying Single More Than a Year After Brandon Blackstock's Death

The pop star says life feels better than ever now that her schedule finally makes room for school runs, family dinners, and game nights. Her candid comments come months after she stepped away from her daytime talk show to spend more time at home.

Kelly Clarkson has her priorities in order. The "Stronger" singer recently opened up about her love life following the death of her ex-husband, music manager Brandon Blackstock, revealing that she hasn't pursued romance because her sole focus is on her kids.

Clarkson shared son Remy, 10, and daughter River, 12, with Blackstock. During an appearance on the "Las Culturistas" podcast, the singer explained why she's choosing not to date.

"My kids right now — I think there's a lot behind that, but that would rock their boat a little bit," she said. The Grammy winner insisted, however, that she's content with her decision and doesn't think she can make room in her life for a romantic partner.

"Honestly, this is not a [expletive] answer, I love my life right now," Clarkson shared. "It just got to where I am not exhausted at every point of it. I feel like if you're going to be in a relationship, you have to be willing to give some of your time up and I am unwilling."

She also gushed about how nice it's been to spend more quality time with River and Remy. "It's been really good and we're having fun," Clarkson said. "We're cooking, we're playing games. I'm there at pick-up or I'm there at drop-off. It's real different."

Blackstock died at age 48 in August 2025 after a private battle with cancer. "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," a statement from his family read at the time.

The statement continued, "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."

Blackstock and Clarkson were married from 2013 to 2020, and their divorce was finalized in 2022 after a series of contentious legal battles. Six months after Blackstock's death, Clarkson announced that she would be leaving her eponymous NBC talk show.

"I have been extremely fortunate to work with such an outstanding group of people at TKCS, both in Los Angeles and New York. There have been so many amazing moments and shows over these seven seasons," she said in a February statement.

She continued, "I am forever grateful and honored to have worked alongside the greatest band and crew you could hope for, all the talent and inspiring people who have shared their time and lives with us, all the fans who have supported our show, and to NBC for always being such a supportive and incredible partner."

"Because of all of that, this was not an easy decision — but this season will be my last hosting TKCS. Stepping away from the daily schedule will allow me to prioritize my kids, which feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives."

Clarkson clarified that the announcement wasn't a farewell, and that fans can still expect her to release music, perform live, and sit on the judging panel of "The Voice" — and sure enough, she's part of the current season.

The final episode of "The Kelly Clarkson Show," which also featured an appearance from her kids, aired on August 31.