Kelly Clarkson ‘devastated’ for kids after Brandon Blackstock’s death

Kelly Clarkson is reportedly “devastated” for her children after her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s death.

“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” a source told People following Blackstock’s death on Thursday, adding that the “American Idol” winner has “always tried to keep things classy.”

“It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well,” they continued. “She’s been devastated for the kids.”

Blackstock — who died on Thursday at age 48 after battling melanoma — and Clarkson endured a contentious divorce, finalized in 2022. They initially split in 2020 after almost seven years of marriage.

Still, the “Stronger” songstress helped care for him in his final days — even canceling her Las Vegas residency for the second time on the eve of his death and missing episodes of her eponymous talk show.

“It’s been exhausting and so sad… ” a source exclusively told Page Six. “Kelly has been working so hard, as well as looking after Brandon. Despite their difficult divorce, he’s still the man she loved and still her kids’ father.”

A family spokesperson confirmed in a statement to Page Six on Thursday that Blackstock — who was Clarkson’s former manager and the former stepson of Reba McEntire — had died.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a family spokesperson told Page Six Thursday.

“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.”

Following their Tennessee wedding in 2013, the former couple welcomed daughter River Rose, 11, in 2014, and son Remington, 9, in 2016. Clarkson, 43, ultimately obtained primary custody of the children in their volatile family court battle. Blackstock also shares two older children with his first wife.

Blackstock and the “Kelly Clarkson Show” host had a complicated relationship, but the hitmaker — who remained amicable for her children — once admitted that she still cared for him.

“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 said during a 2023 appearance on the “Angie Martinez IRL” podcast