Realizing that your marriage won’t last can be incredibly painful, especially for someone as prominent as music icon Kelly Clarkson. After seven years of marriage and raising children together, Clarkson and former talent manager Brandon Blackstock decided to part ways in 2020.

The divorce has been mentally and financially challenging for Clarkson, but she has received support from close friends, including country star Blake Shelton, who reportedly cut ties with Blackstock, his former manager.

Despite their current bitterness, Clarkson and Blackstock were once known as one of Hollywood’s most loving couples. They started dating in 2011, tied the knot in 2013, and expanded their family to include four children.

Clarkson often spoke fondly of her husband on her talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” but eventually, they fell out of love, leading Clarkson to file for divorce in June 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The split blindsided her, and she emphasized the importance of protecting their children during the separation.

Their divorce proceedings became complicated due to financial disputes, exacerbated by Blackstock’s role as Clarkson’s manager under his father’s management company, Starstruck Management Group. Clarkson’s lawsuit against the management company and Blackstock aimed to void agreements and alleviate the financial burden.

Throughout the legal battle, Clarkson faced significant monthly spousal and child support payments, but a judge eventually upheld the contested prenuptial agreement, granting Clarkson more control over her assets, including the Montana ranch.

Even country music star Reba McEntire, who was married to Blackstock’s father for nearly three decades, shared her thoughts on the divorce, expressing support for both Clarkson and Blackstock.

Despite the challenges, Clarkson remains focused on moving forward, supported by friends, family, and legal victories, as she navigates the complexities of divorce in the public eye.

Clarkson delved into her past in August 2021, revealing how her nonexistent relationship with her father influenced her romantic life. During an interview on Kevin Hart’s talk show “Hart to Heart,” she disclosed that she didn’t have a close bond with her father, Stephen.

Her parents split when she was six years old, leading to the family’s separation, including her four siblings. Afterward, Clarkson had minimal contact with her father, Stephen, and didn’t feel any sense of loss because she never experienced having a father figure.

After seeking therapy, Clarkson recognized that her upbringing without her father was a significant factor affecting her relationships. The absence of a paternal role model left her unsure of what to expect in a partner or how she should be treated in a relationship.

Growing up without a father deprived Clarkson of an example of how women should be treated and what healthy relationships look like. On a lighter note, Clarkson recounted a humorous interaction with her mother, Jeanne, following her divorce.

She shared with author Glennon Doyle that she gave her mother the memoir “Untamed,” which explores Doyle’s journey before divorcing. Jeanne’s reaction was unexpected; she jokingly asked if Clarkson was using the book as a subtle way of coming out to her, interpreting it as relationship advice.

In March 2022, after a lengthy legal battle, Clarkson and Blackstock finalized their divorce. Despite the resolution, Clarkson faced substantial financial obligations. As per the agreement, she made a one-time payment of over $1.3 million to Blackstock and will continue to pay $45,000 monthly for child support and $115,000 monthly in spousal support until January 31, 2024.

Clarkson retained ownership of their properties in Montana, while Blackstock will vacate the Montana ranch. He will also pay Clarkson $2,000 monthly until he moves out. Additionally, Clarkson retained custody of their pets, vehicles, and a flight simulator, while Blackstock acquired farm animals, vehicles, and other assets.

Their children will primarily reside with Clarkson in Los Angeles, following their previous agreement for joint custody. Their high-profile divorce mirrors other notable Hollywood splits, such as Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s tumultuous separation in 2017.