Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Send Heartfelt Condolences to Kelly Clarkson After Ex-Husband’s Passing
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are offering their deepest sympathies to Kelly Clarkson following the heartbreaking death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away last week after a private three-year battle with cancer.
Blackstock, 48, died peacefully surrounded by close family, according to a statement released by his representatives. He leaves behind his two children with Clarkson — River Rose, 10, and Remington, 8 — as well as two older children from a previous marriage.
The news has sent shockwaves through the music world, with tributes pouring in from friends, colleagues, and fans across the globe.
Swift and Kelce’s Public Message of Support
On Sunday, Swift took to Instagram Stories to share a heartfelt message with her 280 million followers:
“My heart is with Kelly, River, and Remy. No words can make this easier, but I hope they feel surrounded by love in this impossible moment.”
Swift’s boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, reposted her message with his own note of support:
“Sending love, light, and strength to Kelly and her family. We’re keeping you in our hearts.”
Kelce met Clarkson for the first time late last year during a joint appearance on NBC’s holiday special taping, where the two bonded backstage over football and Clarkson’s Kansas roots.
A Longstanding Connection Between Swift and Clarkson
Swift and Clarkson’s professional paths have crossed many times over the years, both as chart-topping singers and as mutual supporters in the industry. In 2008, Clarkson praised Swift’s early songwriting, telling reporters she had “a rare gift” for storytelling at such a young age.
Their connection deepened in 2019, when Clarkson famously suggested on Twitter that Swift re-record her master catalog after the rights were sold without her consent. That public piece of advice played a crucial role in Swift’s decision to launch her Taylor’s Version re-recordings, a move that reshaped the music business and reinforced her ownership over her work.
Swift has often credited Clarkson for planting the idea, and fans have long appreciated the mutual respect between the two powerhouse vocalists.
Clarkson’s Private Grief and Public Support:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kelly-clarkson-brandon-blackstock-080725-c2406f293a4443e9a55e5e84992dc204.jpg)
Since Blackstock’s passing, Clarkson has postponed several dates of her Las Vegas residency, citing the need to focus entirely on her children during this difficult time.
A source close to the singer told People:
“Kelly is heartbroken. She and Brandon had their ups and downs, but they shared a deep love for their children. Right now, she’s putting all of her energy into being there for River and Remy. She’s grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and fans.”
Fans and fellow artists have flooded Clarkson’s social media with messages of comfort, many noting the loyalty and kindness she’s shown to others in the industry over the years — including Swift — and how she deserves the same compassion in return.
Remembering Brandon Blackstock
Born into a music industry family, Blackstock was the son of Narvel Blackstock, former husband and longtime manager of country legend Reba McEntire. Brandon carved out his own career in the business, managing Clarkson for several years and working with country stars such as Blake Shelton.
He married Clarkson in 2013 at a small ceremony in Tennessee. The couple’s relationship, though ending in divorce in 2020, remained anchored in their dedication to their children.
Industry Tributes Pour In
Beyond Swift and Kelce, several other celebrities have shared their condolences. Blake Shelton posted a message on X calling Blackstock “a great friend and a true professional,” while Reba McEntire said she was “heartbroken for the entire family.”
Even Clarkson’s The Voice colleagues reached out, with John Legend writing, “We love you, Kelly. You’re in our prayers.”
A Moment of Unity and Humanity
In a world where celebrity news is often dominated by competition and rivalry, Swift and Kelce’s public messages stood out as a genuine act of empathy. Fans praised the couple for taking time to acknowledge Clarkson’s loss, using their massive platforms to show that even in the entertainment industry, grief is universal.
As Clarkson navigates the coming weeks, she will do so with the support of family, friends, and an industry that has rallied around her in solidarity. Swift’s words — “hope they feel surrounded by love” — reflect a sentiment shared by millions of fans who have followed Clarkson’s journey from her American Idol victory to becoming one of the most respected voices in music.
While the coming months will no doubt be challenging, the outpouring of support has already shown that Clarkson won’t have to face her grief alone.
