Kelly Clarkson Exits Talk Show to Focus on Her Two Kids

The singer and TV host is stepping away from her daily schedule to prioritize her family after a difficult few years.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:55am

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Kelly Clarkson welcomed daughter River Rose in 2014 and son Remington 'Remy' Alexander in 2016 with her late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. After filing for divorce in 2020 and dealing with Blackstock's passing in 2025 following a private battle with cancer, Clarkson has decided to end her talk show in 2026 to focus on raising River and Remy. The kids have frequently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Clarkson has shared how they are coping with the family's recent loss.

Why it matters

Clarkson's decision to step away from her daily TV schedule to prioritize her children's wellbeing after a difficult few years highlights the challenges many working parents face in balancing career and family, especially in the wake of major life events. Her transparency about her kids' experiences also provides a relatable window into the real-life struggles of celebrity families.

The details

Clarkson and Blackstock welcomed daughter River Rose in June 2014 and son Remington 'Remy' Alexander in April 2016. The couple divorced in 2020 after seven years of marriage, with Clarkson citing the split as 'incredibly difficult.' Blackstock passed away in August 2025 following a private three-year battle with cancer. Clarkson has shared that River and Remy have been sleeping in her bed more as the family navigates this loss. The kids have frequently appeared on Clarkson's talk show, which she is ending in 2026 to focus on raising them.

  • Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock welcomed daughter River Rose on June 12, 2014.
  • Clarkson and Blackstock welcomed son Remington 'Remy' Alexander on April 12, 2016.
  • Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock in 2020 after seven years of marriage.
  • Blackstock passed away in August 2025 following a private three-year battle with cancer.
  • Clarkson's talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, will end in 2026.

The players

Kelly Clarkson

A Grammy-winning singer and television host who is the mother of two children, River Rose and Remington 'Remy' Alexander, with her late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.

Brandon Blackstock

Clarkson's late ex-husband, with whom she had two children before their divorce in 2020. Blackstock passed away in 2025 following a private battle with cancer.

River Rose Blackstock

Clarkson and Blackstock's daughter, who was born in 2014.

Remington 'Remy' Alexander Blackstock

Clarkson and Blackstock's son, who was born in 2016.

Reba McEntire

A country music star and longtime friend of Clarkson's, as well as the stepmother to the late Brandon Blackstock.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody's hanging in there. We miss Brandon so much. He was so much life, joy, love.”

— Reba McEntire

What’s next

Clarkson has not announced any specific future plans, as her focus is on supporting her children through this difficult time.

The takeaway

Clarkson's decision to step away from her successful talk show to prioritize her family after a challenging few years highlights the importance of work-life balance, especially for working parents navigating major life changes. Her transparency about her kids' experiences provides a relatable example of the real-life struggles celebrity families can face.