Kelly Clarkson is opening up about how the divorce has affected her family.
On Monday, Clarkson was a guest on “Angie Martinez’s IRL Podcast” and explained that her children, River, 8, and Remi, 6, have had a hard time adjusting to life without their father, Brandon Blackstock, around the house.
“I literally ask my kids every night when we’re cuddling, ‘Are you happy?’ And if not, what could make you happier?” Clarkson began.
“Sometimes they say — especially in the last two years, a lot of that, and it kills me and I want them to be honest, so I never say, ‘Oh God, don’t tell me that’ — but a lot of the time it would be like: “You know, I’m just really sad. I wish mom and dad were in the same house.” And they are really honest. And I raise that type of person.
Kelly Clarkson shares children River, 8, and Remi, 6, with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. (Kevin Winters)
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Clarkson grew up in a divided household, so she understands the emotions her children are going through.
Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
“I just sit there and think, ‘I see. I also come from a divorced family. I understand. That sucks. But we will fix it. And you’re so loved by both of us,” Clarkson 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. These are no small feelings. These are great feelings and these are great emotions. “
The talk show host explained that although her son and daughter are very young, they are still “very independent.”
“I think I’m my mother’s kid and I’m raising very independent kids,” Clarkson said. “They will go out the door as soon as they are able and able to. They are very independent.”
Kelly Clarkson said her two young children miss their parents, who live under the same roof. (Getty Images)
During the podcast appearance, Clarkson shared what prompted her to file for divorce from Blackstock in 2020.
She said reading an excerpt from Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed a few years ago finally led her to the decision after “years” of hesitation. The text that caught Clarkson’s eye was the author’s question about whether she would like her daughter to live in a marriage like her own.
“It just changed the perspective on it,” Clarkson said, expanding on the excerpt. “I’m a much better parent when I take care of myself — the oxygen mask mentality, right? And you need to take care of yourself for that to leak out.”
Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock finalized their divorce in 2022 after nearly seven years of marriage. (Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS)
After a messy split, Blackstock and Clarkson finalized their divorce in March 2022 after nearly seven years of marriage.
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She admitted Blackstock was her first love.
“My kids ask me all the time, ‘So you don’t love him anymore?’ I’m like, ‘No, I don’t know if that’s going to go away,'” Clarkson said.
Heartbreak will be a prominent theme on Clarkson’s next album.
“Each phase is on my next record. There is sadness. there is anger It’s a lot because you’re going through all these emotions. like on the floor, crying. This is a loss. It’s a death,” she said.
Kelly Clarkson spoke candidly about the impact the divorce has had on her family. (Evans Vestal Ward)
Discussing her future love life, Clarkson admitted that she would “love to fall in love” but will “never” marry again. The star has previously spoken openly about her decision not to want to tie the knot again.
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“I don’t want another guy in my house with my kids,” she explained. “I really love being single. “I like my bed. I like my routine.”