Kelly Clarkson is opening up about why she’s choosing to stay single, and her reasoning is hitting home for parents everywhere. On the“Las Culturistas”podcast, the singer and former daytime host said she’s not dating right now because she wants to prioritize her two kids, River, 12, and Remington, 10, whose father, Brandon Blackstock, died in August 2025 at 48 after a cancer battle. Clarkson explained that a new relationship would“rock the boat”for them while they’re still grieving, and she’s not willing to take that risk.
She also made it clear this isn’t about being lonely.“I love my life right now. It just got to where I am not exhausted at every point of it,”she said. After a contentious divorce finalized in 2022 and seven seasons of“The Kelly Clarkson Show,”which wrapped Aug. 31, Clarkson sounds like someone who has finally found her footing, and she’s protective of it.“If you’re going to be in a relationship, you have to be willing to give some of your time up and I am unwilling,”she added.
Her decision raises a bigger question that plenty of families face after a loss: when a child loses a parent, should the surviving parent put their own romantic life on pause? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but Clarkson’s choice is a reminder that healing takes time, and sometimes the bravest move is simply choosing your kids and your own peace. What do you think? Would you put dating on hold for your family? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.