Kelly Clarkson Feels Guilty Over Ex-Husband’s Death as She Wonders if ‘Stress’ of Divorce Made Him ‘More Susceptible to Cancer’
Guilt is a funny thing. Sometimes it makes absolutely no sense, but you just cannot help it. What could you have done differently? Could you have changed things? Kelly Clarkson is reportedly feeling guilty about the death of her ex-Brandon Blackstock, to cancer, and thinking that perhaps the stress of their contentious divorce contributed to his subsequent cancer.
“Kelly is aware of talk that stress can impact the body and make someone more susceptible to cancer,” a source told the Daily Mail. “Although the timing could be purely coincidental, she knows how much tension the divorce and lawsuits put on them.”
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Clarkson and Blackstock had a very combative divorce, which included a legal battle over their Montana ranch and Clarkson suing Blackstock, claiming unlawfully procured business deals for her as her talent manager. Despite all of this, though, a source told People that Kelly Clarkson was not just aware, but supportive during her ex’s battle with cancer. “When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” the source explained. “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.”
The Daily Mail made it clear that Clarkson wasn’t trying to make it about herself, but she’s “conscious that the double whammy of the divorce and the fact that he had to repay her millions of dollars was very tough on him.” A second source noted that Clarkson “doesn’t want to harp on about what this might have done for Brandon’s health, but it does cross her mind. And it does make her think that maybe she could [have] done more, even though that is unrealistic at its core.”
That second source clarified the singer put aside the split “once the cancer came into the situation.” Clarkson reportedly “felt bad” and rushed to protect the children the two shared, daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9. According to them, “being there for her kids is helping her to cope with the onslaught of emotions.”
Blackstock’s obituary specifically mentioned his children, saying, “But never did his star shine brighter than in his role as a father. Nothing mattered to Brandon more than his four beautiful children, Savannah, Seth, River, and Remy. To say he was devoted seems cliché. It feels like an overused word, but it is the correct word. He was a devoted father. His four children were and will always be his greatest love and his greatest legacy.”
Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband passed away from melanoma on August 7. A celebration of life was held for him recently. “Brandon’s closest friends and family gathered over the weekend for a few days to celebrate his life in the place he loved most. It was very private,” a source told Us Weekly. “His partner, Brittney [Marie Jones], his family and his closest friends spent time at his home sharing memories of Brandon and remembering how much he meant to them.” Neither Clarkson nor his children are reported to have attended.
