Kelly Clarkson gives rare update on her young children five months after their dad died

Kelly Clarkson has issued an update on how she and her kids are doing after her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, passed away last year.

The singer was married to Blackstock between 2013 and 2022 and had two children, River, 11, and Remington, nine, with the talent manager.

Shortly after the pair divorced, he was sadly diagnosed with cancer and struggled with the disease for over three years, before passing away in August at the age of just 48.

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," a rep for the family told People at the time. "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."

They were married from 2013 to 2022 (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Kelly's heartbreaking comments about love had resurfaced following Blackstock's death and now the 43-year-old is navigating a successful career alongside raising two young children.

During a YouTube question-and-answer session released on the official Kelly Clarkson Show channel, she shared a rare update as a fan asked: "What is the one thing you do every day that brings you joy?"

"Snuggle," Clarkson responded. "My kids, they're nine and 11. Kind of that special little fun stage where they can wipe their own behinds, but they're still small enough to, like, love cuddling and love snuggles.

"There's been a lot for our family recently, and so I have allowed my kids to sleep with me quite a bit.

"It's my two dogs, my two kids and me. It's a lot. It's been really special, though, because... the conversations you have during that time are pretty cute. So that's probably my favourite time of day."

The first Christmas without their father would have been incredibly tough for the two young kids, while Blackstock also had two other older children from his first marriage and even became a grandfather shortly before his death.

It may have been a tough Christmas for Clarkson and her kids (Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

An insider claimed Clarkson is 'heartbroken', having cancelled some concerts to deal with the family emergency both before and after Blackstock's death.

"Kelly is obviously heartbroken for her kids. Losing their dad is incredibly painful and confusing," the source told People. "But she's also very grounded. She's not someone who falls apart. She looks at life realistically and does everything she can to make things as steady and loving as possible for her kids."

Clarkson's 'focus is to be present for her kids', the insider noted, before adding: "She's a great mum."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.