Beloved “American Idol” alum Kelly Clarkson is navigating a life-changing, deeply devastating challenge. The music icon will no longer perform at Miranda Lambert’s ‘Band Together’ Texas benefit concert following the passing of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
The concert, set for Sunday, Aug. 17, at the Moody Center in Austin, will raise funds for urgent relief & rebuilding efforts in central Texas after July’s devastating floods.
(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for dcp)Organized by Lambert & Parker McCollum, the lineup also includes Cody Johnson, Ronnie Dunn, Lyle Lovett, and appearances by Matthew McConaughey & Dennis Quaid.
Official Statement Confirms Clarkson’s Withdrawal from Texas Benefit
The event’s official Instagram account confirmed the news on Monday, Aug. 11. In a now-expired Instagram story, the parade published the statement that read: “Unfortunately, Kelly Clarkson will be unable to appear at Band Together Texas as planned, due to personal circumstances. We send our love to Kelly and her family.”
A Difficult Personal Time for Clarkson
Earlier this month, Clarkson, 43, postponed the rest of her August Las Vegas residency shows. On Aug. 6, she shared with fans on Instagram, “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”
The next day, Blackstock’s family confirmed his passing at age 48 after a private three-year battle with cancer.
Remembering Brandon Blackstock
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a family spokesperson said in a statement on Aug. 7, as published by People magazine.
“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.”
Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis later confirmed Blackstock died from melanoma at his home in Butte, Montana, under hospice care.
Clarkson and Blackstock were married from 2013 to 2022 and share daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9. Blackstock was also the father to Savannah, 23, and Seth, 18, from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth.
Despite their separation, Clarkson has often spoken about prioritizing co-parenting & family, a commitment she continues during this time of grief.
When Clarkson Spoke About Co-Parenting Challenges After Divorce from Blackstock
(Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)The former couple’s relationship had its complexities following their 2020 divorce, with Clarkson ultimately receiving primary physical custody of their children.
According to a blast report published in March 2022, their financial settlement, finalized in July 2021, required her to pay Blackstock $1.3 million upfront, along with $45,601 per month in child support and $115,000 per month in spousal support.
Even after their split, both parents made efforts to maintain a co-parenting arrangement, though Clarkson has been candid about its challenges. In March 2025, she offered insight into their dynamic during an appearance on the “Not Gonna Lie” podcast.
“There’s a lot that I keep in because … co-parenting is fun,” she said with honesty.
She also reflected on the subject in 2021 during a conversation with Khloe Kardashian on her daytime talk show, sharing, “It’s tough. … I know with me and Brandon, it’s just a difficult thing because we’re in different places, and it’s like, we both agree on the main things, but it’s a hard thing when you’re not together all the time, for me personally.”
Comments
Kelly Clarkson Steps Back from Texas Benefit Concert as She Bravely Navigates Her Ex-Husband’s Passing