In a heartfelt episode of her talk show, Kelly Clarkson delved into the topic of grief during a candid discussion on Thursday. The 43-year-old host, who has seamlessly transitioned from a successful singing career to television, was joined by the legendary musician Lionel Richie. At 76, Richie appeared to discuss his latest literary endeavor, a memoir titled “Truly: An Inspirational Journey Through the Life of a Musical Legend.”
The conversation between Clarkson and Richie naturally gravitated towards the theme of grief, a subject that resonates deeply with both artists. Lionel opened up about his perspective, sharing, “What I found is that when I get involved with the word ‘uncontrollable’ grief, I let go.” He continued with a profound insight, “Believe it or not, I look forward to finding out who am I going to be, really [because] that’s the real me.”
Richie’s words struck a chord with Clarkson, especially when he noted, “If you hurt so badly, that means you loved so deeply.” This poignant reflection elicited an emotional response from Kelly, who softly uttered, “Aw, s**t,” clearly moved by the sentiment.
In an attempt to lighten the mood, Richie humorously reassured her, “Hold on, I can save you, don’t worry,” as he playfully placed his hand on her forehead, mimicking an exorcism. This light-hearted moment brought laughter to the studio, with Clarkson raising her hands and exclaiming, “I feel healed.”
‘If you hurt so badly, that means you loved so deeply,’ he added, moving Kelly so deeply that she muttered, ‘Aw, s**t.’
He then joked, ‘Hold on, I can save you, don’t worry,’ while placing his hand on Kelly’s forehead to simulate an exorcism. With a deep laugh, she threw up her hands and declared, ‘I feel healed.’
Kelly Clarkson discussed grief on Thursday’s episode of her eponymous daytime talk show
It comes just two months after Kelly’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock died at age 48 after a three-and-a-half-year battle with the skin cancer melanoma; pictured in 2013
It comes just two months after Kelly’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock died at age 48 after a three-and-a-half-year battle with the skin cancer melanoma.
Kelly introduced the topic by referencing a line from Lionel’s book.
‘I do think a lot of people deal with grief in such a different way, but I love that you say, “Grief is the great teacher of what matters most,”‘ she said.
The mother-of-two — who shared daughter River, 11, and son Remington, nine, with Brandon — added, ‘And I think, no matter how you deal with grief, it is very different for everyone. But I do find that very, very true. How did you figure that out?’
The American Idol judge explained, ‘It’s a real moment where you can’t phone it in, but at the same time, we rehearse things. You can’t rehearse grief.’
He elaborated, ‘You can’t rehearse the loss of your mother or your father or a friend. You can’t rehearse that.’
And Kelly agreed that the overwhelming feelings of loss hit you ‘in waves.’
An Instagram caption promoting the episode read, ‘Lionel Richie life wisdom is #Truly taking us to church!’
The 43-year-old singer-turned-host welcomed music artist Lionel Richie, 76, on the program to promote his new memoir
While discussing grief, he joked, ‘Hold on, I can save you, don’t worry,’ and placed his hand on Kelly’s forehead to simulate an exorcism. With a deep laugh, she threw up her hands and declared, ‘I feel healed’
Clarkson, 43, and her former spouse welcomed daughter River, 11, and son Remington, nine, during their nine-year marriage
A representative from Brandon’s family confirmed his death on August 7.
The statement read: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.
‘We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.’
In a statement shared on August 6, Kelly had revealed a health-related issue with Brandon forced her to postpone her Las Vegas residency.
‘Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,’ she wrote. ‘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. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding,’ she concluded.
The exes married in 2013, split in 2020, and finalized their divorce in 2022.
