Kelly Clarkson is heading back to her eponymous talk show this month after the death of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.
According to a press release from NBC, the “American Idol” Alum show will debut its seventh season on September 29th. Clarkson is leading a new episode.
The production of the season begins the week of September 8th and will feature celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.
Clarkson representatives did not immediately return a request for comment on Page 6.
The news comes almost a month after Blackstock’s death on August 7th, who died at the age of 48 after a personal battle with melanoma. “It’s extremely sad to share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a family spokesperson told Page 6 at the time.
“Brandon bravely fought cancer for over three years. He passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the privacy of your family during this extremely difficult time.”
Sources also confirmed on page 6 that Backstock was at the hospice before his death.
Talk show icon, 43, cancelled several of her Las Vegas residency shows for the second time, citing concerns about their two children, on the eve of her ex-husband’s death.
“Unfortunately, we need to postpone the remaining dates for our August studio session in Las Vegas,” the hitmaker wrote in an Instagram post on August 6th.
“I usually keep my personal life private, but for the past year, my child’s father has been ill and at this point must be fully present for them,” she continued. “We are so grateful to everyone who purchased tickets for the show. We appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
Signs of personal troubles for the TV host first appeared in March. At the time, Clarkson reportedly missed the 10-episode show due to “personal issues that don’t directly involve her.”
More absenteeism continued in April.
In July, Clarkson cancelled some of her Las Vegas residency shows for the first time just 90 minutes before she was scheduled to perform. Sources said “personal life is extremely complicated.”
Clarkson and Blackstock got married in 2013 and finalised their complicated divorce in 2022, with the “strong” singer gaining primary custody of children, River, 11, Remy, 9.
The singer, who resurrected in black at LAX weeks after Backstock’s death, reportedly felt “guilt” amidst the loss.
“Kelly knows that stress can affect your body and make someone more susceptible to cancer,” a source told the Daily Mail last month, referring to the star’s “irritating” division and custody battle.
“The timing could be purely coincidence, but she knows how nervous the divorce and lawsuit are,” they added.
During Clarkson “I don’t blame myself,” the insider emphasized, “I’m aware that the double whammy of divorce and the fact that he had to pay back her millions of dollars is very difficult for him.”
Amidst Blackstock’s illness, the singer “feels upset” and jumps into action to “protect” River and Remy. The source added: “Being there for her child helps her deal with the onslaught of emotions.”
