Kelly Clarkson recently gave fans a glimpse into her family life by sharing a seldom-seen photo of her children. The image comes as Clarkson and her kids navigate the profound sorrow that followed the untimely passing of their father, Brandon Blackstock, just four months ago.

Over the past weekend, the 43-year-old singer delighted followers with a heartwarming snapshot of her daughter, River Rose, who is 11, and her son, Remington, aged 9. The two were enjoying a classic winter activity—ice skating at New York City’s iconic Rockefeller Center.

‘Ice skating at 30 Rock with the family,’ she captioned the heartwarming image, which showed her kids smiling warmly at the camera, bundled up in puffer jackets and beanies.

Joining them was an unidentified family friend or relative, adding a sense of togetherness to what is one of the city’s most beloved seasonal pastimes. This outing provided a momentary escape and a touch of joy amid the shadows of recent events.

Their cheerful excursion follows the somber news of Blackstock’s passing at the age of 48. His death came after a private, ‘brave and courageous’ battle with melanoma, a struggle that had been largely kept away from public view, as noted in the obituary from Butte Funeral Home.

The obituary made headlines not only for the details of his illness but also for revealing a shocking claim that Blackstock had been involved with Clarkson’s former assistant prior to his death. This revelation added another complex layer to the family’s recent challenges.

Kelly Clarkson shared a rare photo of her two kids as they continue to navigate unimaginable grief just four months after the sudden death of their father, Brandon Blackstock

Clarkson and Blackstock’s relationship began in 2006, blossoming into a romance in 2012. The couple wed the following year in a private ceremony held at Blackberry Farms in Tennessee, marking the start of what would be a significant chapter in both their lives.

The pair went on to welcome River in 2014 and Remington in 2016 before Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing ‘irreconcilable differences.’  

The split was finalized two years later.

While reflecting on the painful breakup during a 2023 appearance on Angie Martinez’s IRL podcast, the star admitted navigating it all in the spotlight was a challenge.  

‘I think the thing about divorce, especially having it publicized, and people thinking they know the whole thing, the hardest part of that is, like, it wasn’t an overnight decision.’

She added that she had desperately wanted their marriage to work.

‘I wanted to make it beautiful. I wanted to make it awesome… and sometimes that just doesn’t happen,’ Clarkson explained.

Additionally, she spoke of her and Blackstock’s co-parenting relationship and how her kids were handling their breakup. 

Their festive outing comes in the wake of Blackstock’s heartbreaking passing at age 48 following a private, ‘brave and courageous’ three-year battle with melanoma; seen in 2020

The former couple welcomed River in 2014 and Remington in 2016 before Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’ (seen in 2019)

The former couple later became embroiled in a drawn-out legal dispute over commissions, with Clarkson accusing her ex of making unauthorized business deals on her behalf.

They reached a settlement in May 2024, finally ending the contentious battle. 

‘I ask my kids every night when we’re snuggling and I put them to bed, “Are you happy? And if you’re not, what could make you happier?”‘ she said on the podcast.

Clarkson noted her kids were ‘really honest about’ their needs and wishing ‘Mommy and Daddy were in the same house.’ 

‘I just sit there and I’m like, ‘I get it. I’m from a divorced family as well. I get it. That sucks. But we’re going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us,’ she said. 

Following the news of his death, a source told People that Clarkson ‘remained protective’ of her ex when she ‘found out that he was sick’ for the sake of their children. 

‘Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids,’ the insider said. 

‘The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful and something she felt terrible about,’ the source concluded. ‘But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids.’