Kelly Clarkson is staying single to focus on her children after her ex-husband’s death.
The Grammy winner, 43, opened up about her dating stance during an appearance on the “Las Culturistas” podcast Wednesday, explaining that any new romance would unsettle River, 12, and Remington, 10. “My kids right now — I think there’s a lot behind that, but that would rock their boat a little bit,” she said.
Clarkson made clear she feels no sense of sacrifice. “Honestly, this is not a bulls—t answer, I love my life right now. It just got to where I am not exhausted at every point of it. I feel like 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.”
The “Since U Been Gone” singer described the rhythm she has found with her children since Blackstock’s death in August 2025. “It’s been really good and we’re having fun. We’re cooking, we’re playing games. I’m there at pick-up or I’m there at drop-off. It’s real different.”
Blackstock, a talent manager, died at 48 following a battle with cancer. He and Clarkson had married in 2013 and finalized their divorce in 2022 after prolonged legal disputes.
Six months after Blackstock’s passing, reports emerged that Clarkson would step away from “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” She confirmed the move in February, writing that the decision “will allow me to prioritize my kids, which feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives.”
A source said last month that Clarkson has worked to create stability for the children as they process their grief. “Kelly has done everything she can to be there for River and Remy as they’ve navigated that loss,” the insider said. “Her focus has been making sure they feel loved, supported and as stable as possible while giving them the space to grieve in their own way.”
The daytime program concluded its seven-season run on Aug. 31, with Clarkson addressing the audience directly about what drove both the show’s creation and its end. “My kiddos have always come first, they’re a big reason I did this show, just [for] the stability, the schedule,” she said during the finale.
“They’re also a big reason it’s time to say goodbye,” Clarkson added. “I’m such a proud mama. They’re the greatest kiddos in the world.”
She called the final episode “bittersweet.”
The scheduling flexibility that drew Clarkson to syndicated television now serves a different purpose. Where the talk show once allowed her to remain present for school routines while building a separate career, the same blocks of time have become dedicated space for family without competing demands.
Clarkson’s comments on the podcast mark her most direct explanation of how widowhood-by-circumstance has reshaped her priorities, even as the marriage itself had already ended. She did not frame the choice as temporary, instead presenting it as a settled orientation toward her current life.
The “American Idol” winner has not announced new music or touring plans, with her public schedule since the finale centered on her children and occasional media appearances.
Clarkson is scheduled to appear at iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas.