As of December 11, 2025, Kelly Clarkson is the proud mother of two biological children, a daughter and a son, whom she shares with her late ex-husband, talent manager Brandon Blackstock. The family's life has undergone a significant transformation in the last few years, marked by a high-profile divorce, a major cross-country move from Los Angeles to New York City, and, most recently, a private, heartbreaking loss that has profoundly impacted their dynamic. The singer's primary focus remains on providing a stable and loving environment for her kids as they navigate this new chapter in the Big Apple.
The Grammy-winning artist, known for her candidness on *The Kelly Clarkson Show*, has been fiercely protective of her children's privacy, but recent events have brought the family's world into the public eye, revealing a story of resilience, co-parenting challenges, and the power of a "fresh start" in a new city.
The Clarkson-Blackstock Family Tree: A Complete Biography and Timeline
Kelly Clarkson's family unit is part of a larger blended family that includes two step-children from her ex-husband's previous marriage. Her world centers around her two biological children, River Rose and Remington Alexander Blackstock. The full family profile is detailed below:
- River Rose Blackstock: Kelly’s eldest child and only daughter, born on June 12, 2014. As of late 2024/early 2025, she is 10 years old. River is often cited as the reason Kelly sought primary physical custody, wanting her children to be close to her.
- Remington “Remy” Alexander Blackstock: Kelly’s son, born on April 12, 2016. As of late 2024/early 2025, he is 8 years old. Remy and River made a rare, sweet appearance on *The Kelly Clarkson Show* in a recent episode, showcasing their love for music.
- Father: Brandon Blackstock (Deceased): Brandon Blackstock, a music manager, was Kelly Clarkson's husband from 2013 until their divorce was finalized in 2022. He was the son of Narvel Blackstock and the stepson of Reba McEntire. Brandon passed away at the age of 48 on August 7th following a battle with cancer.
- Step-Children: Savannah Blackstock and Seth Blackstock: Brandon had two children, Savannah and Seth, from his previous marriage to Melissa Ashworth. Kelly was a stepmother to them during her marriage to Brandon, making her a mother figure to a total of four children in the blended family dynamic.
A Fresh Start in the Big Apple: Why the Family Moved to New York City
One of the most significant and recent changes in Kelly Clarkson’s life has been the highly publicized relocation of her entire life—and her Emmy-winning daytime program—from Los Angeles to New York City.
In 2023, Kelly and her two children, River Rose and Remington, officially moved to the East Coast. The fifth season of *The Kelly Clarkson Show* began filming at the historic NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza ("30 Rock"), a major shift from its previous home at Universal City Studios in Los Angeles.
Clarkson has been open about the move, stating that she "couldn't be in L.A. anymore" and needed a "fresh start" for her and her children following the tumultuous divorce from Blackstock. The move was a conscious decision to create a new, positive environment for River and Remy, who had been through a stressful period. She has expressed that the children are thriving in New York, enjoying the new experiences and the anonymity the city sometimes affords them.
The relocation also solidified the children’s primary residence. While the divorce settlement granted Kelly and Brandon joint physical and legal custody, the children primarily reside with Kelly in her Los Angeles residence (which she later sold) and now in New York City. Brandon retained visitation rights, which became more complicated following the move and, ultimately, his passing.
Co-Parenting, Grief, and The New Family Dynamic After Loss
The family's current dynamic is one of profound change and healing. For years after the divorce, Kelly was vocal about the challenges of co-parenting with Brandon Blackstock. She was determined to shield her children from the pain of the split, even admitting to seeking therapy to better navigate the situation and combat "mom guilt."
Clarkson often discussed a "strict rule" she had for her children, ensuring they maintained a positive relationship with their father, despite the difficulties between the parents. She emphasized the importance of their father being a constant, loving presence in their lives.
The Impact of Brandon Blackstock’s Death
The news of Brandon Blackstock's death at age 48 from cancer in August came as a shock to the public and, naturally, to his family. This tragic event fundamentally altered the co-parenting and custody arrangement.
The loss of their father introduces a new, complex layer of grief and healing for River Rose and Remington Alexander. Kelly Clarkson now faces the immense task of guiding her young children through the loss of a parent while maintaining their new life in New York. The singer has reportedly been focused on helping her children process their emotions and honor their father's memory, leaning on the support of her family and friends.
This period marks a shift from a challenging co-parenting dynamic to a single-parent focus, emphasizing emotional stability and mental health. Clarkson's recent album, *Chemistry*, which chronicled the pain of her divorce, now serves as a poignant backdrop to this new phase of her life, where her strength is entirely dedicated to her children.
What the Future Holds for River and Remy
Kelly Clarkson’s career, from her start on *American Idol* to her coaching role on *The Voice* and her success as a talk show host, has always been secondary to her role as a mother.
The move to NYC, the new custody structure, and the recent family tragedy have all culminated in a life centered entirely around River and Remy. Kelly has repeatedly stated that her children are her priority, and their well-being dictates her professional decisions. The stability of their home base in New York, combined with the rare public glimpse of their personalities on her show—where they discussed their love of music and their mother's work—suggests a path toward a grounded and loving upbringing.
For fans wondering "how many kids does Kelly Clarkson have," the answer remains two, but the context of those two lives is richer and more complex than ever before. River Rose and Remington Alexander Blackstock are growing up in the spotlight, but with a mother determined to keep them happy, healthy, and emotionally secure as they navigate a new family reality.
Detail Author:
- Name : Alaina Russel
- Username : rusty11
- Email : madisen75@tromp.org
- Birthdate : 2003-08-18
- Address : 944 Rosalinda Crest West Kayleighside, IN 62076
- Phone : +1.959.946.5296
- Company : Douglas PLC
- Job : Automotive Technician
- Bio : Nihil autem consequatur qui sint. Necessitatibus quidem tempore quidem tempora earum. Soluta suscipit magni esse quia ab necessitatibus esse.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/camren9090
- username : camren9090
- bio : Nemo quia eum nostrum. Quae alias sit ipsam atque. Voluptates repudiandae et corporis rem consectetur.
- followers : 4813
- following : 1221
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/camren_dev
- username : camren_dev
- bio : Voluptatem blanditiis vel ut aliquid.
- followers : 4399
- following : 1471
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@cheidenreich
- username : cheidenreich
- bio : Aspernatur omnis dolor sed numquam.
- followers : 2303
- following : 2410
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/camren_real
- username : camren_real
- bio : Veniam magnam voluptas esse et. Sapiente velit hic non incidunt animi.
- followers : 4437
- following : 1277