Kelly Clarkson, who might be the world’s most relatable celebrity at the moment, opened up recently about how difficult her divorce from Brandon Blackstock has been, including how it has impacted her children.
In a new appearance on the “Angie Martinez IRL” podcast, the television host, 40, described how her entire family has been affected by the split and that she encourages her daughter, River, 8, and son Remi, 6, to be honest about their emotions.
“What does divorce do to you? Because it has to shift you, right?” asked host Angie Martinez.
“It rips you apart,” Clarkson admitted, “whenever you fall in love with someone, and it doesn’t work.”
She went on to share that having a very public divorce makes it seem like the decision was made lightly. “It wasn’t an overnight decision,” she explained. Then, she goes on to discuss parenting through and after a divorce.
“I think I am my mother’s child, and I’m raising very independent children,” the singer said. “They will be out the door as soon as they’re able and capable. They’re very independent.”
Part of fostering independence for Clarkson is encouraging her children to be honest and vocal about their feelings.
“I literally ask my kids every night when we’re snuggling, ‘Are you happy? And if you’re not, what could make you happier?’” she explained. “Sometimes they’ll say — especially the past two years — a lot of it — and it kills me — and 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, ‘You know, I’m just really sad. I wish Mommy and Daddy were in the same house.’ And they’re really honest about it. And I’m raising that kind of individual.”
The “Stronger” singer also opened up about being a child of divorce and how it has informed her parenting today.
“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 said. “I think communicating with them and not treating them — not treating them like an adult, because they’re not — but not treating them like a child. They’re not small feelings. Those are huge feelings, and those are huge emotions.”
Clarkson and Blackstock married in 2013 after dating for six years. In 2020, “The Voice” coach filed for divorce, and it was finalized two years later.
“My kids ask me all the time, ‘So you don’t love him anymore?’ I’m like, ‘No, I don’t know if that goes away,’” she also said on the podcast, adding that her personal struggles and successes have inspired her upcoming music. “Every phase is on my next record. There is sadness. There is rage. It’s a lot because you go through all those emotions. If you don’t hit all those, were you really in it?… I was destroyed, like, on the ground, crying. That’s a loss. It’s a death.”
Well, that sounds exciting. We’re excited to hear how she turned all of that heartbreak into art.
Clarkson was also asked about the prospect of dating and meeting someone new. She did not mince words!
“I don’t want another dude in my house with my children,” she explained. “I really do, truly love being single. I like my bed. I like my routine.”
We are so happy to hear that the “American Idol” winner now has her feet on solid ground following a tumultuous time for her entire family. We’re rooting for you, Kelly Clarkson!
