Kelly Clarkson Seen for the First Time in Public Since Her Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock's Death

After his divorce from the media personality, Brandon Blackstock moved on from the entertainment world, finding love again and beginning a new chapter in his life.

Kelly Clarkson was spotted on Saturday, August 23, marking her first public appearance since the passing of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. The sighting quickly drew online reactions, with some commenting on her look while others urged respect for her privacy as she grieves.

In photos shared online, the 43-year-old singer was seen arriving at LAX dressed in black, a choice that gave her appearance a somber tone. She paired sweats, a V-neck top, and a small jacket with understated accessories, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, earrings, and a pendant.

Her caramel hair was pulled back into a low bun beneath the hat, and she kept her makeup minimal. Despite shielding her face with dark shades, her downcast expression was still visible as she carried her luggage.

The appearance quickly sparked a wave of online reactions, with some focusing on her attire and others urging compassion. One observer took note of her outfit, writing, "Why she got that hat on..looking like Blackstone's widow [sic]."

Another person pointed out the symbolism, "Black for mourning 🖤." An individual speculated about her choice of attire, "Perhaps without the large black cowboy hat, she wouldn't have been recognized."

Others focused on her appearance, with one person noting, "She looks so thin." Amid the chatter, some called for compassion. "Leave the woman alone. Let her be with her kids. Clearly, she doesn't want to be seen," one comment read.

Someone else urged, "Leave her alone. Poor thing is grieving." Concern also poured in for Clarkson and her family, with a fan expressing, "I hope she is okay and the children.[sic]" And adding a lighter mood, one fan joked, "Kelly out here dressed like she [sic] about to join Yellowstone instead of The Voice."

Kelly Clarkson and Blackstock share two children — daughter River, 11, and son Remington, 9. Just a day before his passing on August 6, Clarkson revealed that Blackstock had been unwell and explained that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency to prioritize her family.

"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," Clarkson wrote in a statement. She also apologized to fans and thanked them for their patience, compassion, and support.

Brandon Blackstock died on August 7, after battling cancer for more than three years. A family representative announced that he had passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. They added that the family was grateful for the thoughts and prayers being sent their way and requested privacy during this difficult time.

Following his passing, loved ones published an obituary that reflected on his journey after stepping away from the Hollywood scene. The tribute mentioned his "beautiful and loving partner," though it notably left out one person many expected to see included.

His obituary, shared by Butte Funeral Homes, reflected on his return to the "cowboy way of life" and named Brittney Marie Jones as a "beautiful and loving partner." His ex-wife, Clarkson, was not mentioned in the list of surviving loved ones.

The obituary listed Blackstock's four children — Savannah Blackstock Lee, Seth Blackstock, River Rose Blackstock, and Remington Blackstock — along with his parents, Narvel Wayne Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter Gilbert.

It also named his stepparents, Reba McEntire, Laura Putty Blackstock, and Daniel Eugene Gilbert, his siblings Shawna Blackstock Meyers, Chassidy Blackstock Standefer, and Shelby McEntire Blackstock, and his grandchildren Lake Easton Lee, Julianna Rae Lee, and the soon-to-arrive LouCasey Lee.

After more than two decades in the music industry, Blackstock moved to Montana to embrace the cowboy lifestyle he had always wanted.

There, he and Jones built a home together and worked side by side to establish Headwaters Livestock Auction and the Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman — ventures described in his obituary as his legacy.

Jones played a significant role in his professional life. According to her LinkedIn profile, she worked as a production assistant for Clarkson from December 2016 to December 2018.

She became Blackstock's executive assistant at Starstruck Entertainment, a position she held until mid-2020.

She later relocated to Montana, assuming her current role as executive assistant at V Bar V Cattle Co., LLC, in Philipsburg. Her LinkedIn also noted that she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Audio Production from The Art Institute of Tennessee–Nashville in 2011.

During her studies, she served two years as president of the Audio Engineering Society and gained hands-on experience with SSL Duality consoles, Pro Tools, and Logic. She also completed a six-month internship at Capitol Records in the marketing department.

The funeral home's announcement invited all friends and loved ones to attend Blackstock's celebration of life, asking them to contact the family for service details. Instead of flowers, donations were requested for the Brandon Blackstock Memorial Fund at the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation.

Among the many public tributes was one from Blackstock's former stepmother, McEntire. She posted smiling photos of herself with him on Instagram, writing, "Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God. His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God's presence."

She continued, "There is no one else like him, and I'm thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again."

As tributes continued to pour in and loved ones shared memories of his life, official reports offered a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding his passing.

The Silver Bow County Coroner ruled that Blackstock's death was from natural causes. The former talent manager had been privately battling illness for years, drawing concern from loved ones and prompting heartfelt tributes from his family.

As reported by Fox News Digital, officials confirmed the cause was melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Coroner Dan Hollis said Blackstock died on August 7 at his home in Butte, Montana, under hospice care.