Kelly Clarkson breaks down in emotional TV comeback after ex-husband’s death

Kelly Clarkson returns to her talk show in tears after ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s death and summer tragedy

Kelly Clarkson has made an emotional return to daytime television, breaking down in front of her studio audience during the first episode of the new season of The Kelly Clarkson Show. It marked her first appearance back on air since the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away in August at the age of 48 after a three-year battle with cancer.

Clarkson delayed the start of her show for several weeks before launching Season 7. On her return, she focused the spotlight not on her personal grief but on the stories of bus drivers who rescued hundreds of children trapped at Camp Mystic in Texas during catastrophic floods earlier this summer. The segment was filled with tears as Clarkson clutched tissues while listening to the drivers’ accounts of reuniting 900 children with their families after days of fear and devastation.

The singer and talk show host avoided any direct mention of Blackstock during the broadcast. She and Blackstock were married for nearly seven years before divorcing in 2020. They shared two children together, River Rose, 11, and Remington Alexander, 9. A family representative previously said Blackstock died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, thanking fans for their prayers and requesting privacy.

Viewers praised Clarkson’s sensitivity in spotlighting everyday heroes rather than her own loss. Clips shared to Instagram and other platforms quickly drew messages of support, with fans applauding her ability to balance compassion with courage. “Oh my heart, thank you for highlighting and honouring such deserving people,” one viewer wrote. Another added that her return proved why she remains one of television’s most relatable and beloved stars.

The moment has quickly gained traction online, with fans sharing their own experiences of grief and praising Clarkson for providing strength through vulnerability. By returning with a mix of raw emotion and a commitment to others, Clarkson reminded audiences why her presence on daytime TV continues to resonate so strongly.