Kelly Clarkson returned to Instagram for the first time since the death of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock in August. Clarkson didn’t address the loss of Blackstock, who shared two children, but did share a memory of winning American Idol more than two decades ago.
“To everyone that took time 23 years ago to call in and vote for me, thank you,” she wrote. “Winning American Idol changed my life and I will be forever grateful for all of you that have supported me for so many years. It is a gift to find your purpose and passion, and to be able to make a living doing it is the cherry on top. Thank you, always.”
Clarkson won the reality show’s inaugural season in 2002. After defeating runner-up Justin Guarini, the singer went on to sign with RCA Records. She released her debut LP, Thankful, in 2003.
Prior to remembering her Idol win, Clarkson hadn’t posted on social media since Aug. 6, the day before Blackstock died from a malignant melanoma age 48. At the time, she announced she was canceling future dates of her residency, “Studio Sessions,” at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas so she could take care of her family. “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,” she wrote.
In mid-August, Clarkson cancelled an appearance at Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum’s Band Together Texas event, held to support victims of the July Texas floods. Clarkson didn’t release a statement about the cancelation, however the event organizers shared the news in an Instagram Story, writing, “Unfortunately, Kelly Clarkson will be unable to appear at Band Together Texas as planned, due to personal circumstances. We send our love to Kelly and her family.”
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Shortly after Blackstock died, the talent manager’s family shared a statement announcing his death, but shared few details about his illness. “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,” Blackstock’s family said. “He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”
Blackstock was also the stepson of country singer Reba McEntire, who shared a tribute to him on Instagram, remembering his “legacy and laughter,” and the time they lived together. “His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family,” she wrote. “Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”
