Kelly Clarkson ‘Heartbroken’ for Kids After Brandon Blackstock’s Death, Made Holidays as ‘Loving as Possible’ (Exclusive Source)

Kelly Clarkson is focused on staying “present” with her kids following ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s death.

An insider shares exclusively with PEOPLE that the singer and songwriter, 43, is “heartbroken” for her kids after the loss of their dad in August 2025. Blackstock died from melanoma at 48 years old after being diagnosed three years prior.

“Kelly is obviously heartbroken for her kids. Losing their dad is incredibly painful and confusing,” the source shares. “But she’s also very grounded. She’s not someone who falls apart. She looks at life realistically and does everything she can to make things as steady and loving as possible for her kids.”

Clarkson’s “focus is to be present for her kids,” the source notes, adding, “she’s a great mom.”

A rep for the family announced Blackstock’s death on Aug. 7 in a statement that revealed he’d “bravely battled cancer for more than three years.”

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the statement read. “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.”

Following the tragic news, a source told PEOPLE that Clarkson has “been devastated” for her kids during the three-year journey Blackstock faced with cancer.

“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” the source said at the time. “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.”

Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock, a talent manager, in 2020 after seven years of marriage, and their split was finalized two years later. Though their divorce was acrimonious, and the two were later involved in various legal proceedings, the source said that Clarkson knew the importance of her children’s relationship with their father.

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

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In 2023, Clarkson opened up about co-parenting with Blackstock and reiterated that her children and their feelings were her top priority.

“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?’ ” Clarkson said on Angie Martinez’s IRL podcast. “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.”

She continued, “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.'”