Why Kelly Clarkson’s Kids Don’t Want Her to Date After Divorce

Kelly Clarkson’s kids, River Rose, 10, and Remington, 8, from her previous marriage to Brandon Blackstock, aren’t thrilled about the idea of their mom diving back into the dating scene.

During a recent interview on KOST 103.5, the American Idol alum shared, “Both my kids are not into it. They constantly bring it up, saying, ‘Please, we don’t want you to be with anybody else.’”

“I’ve explained, ‘Hey, I love you, but Mommy needs loving too.’”

Despite her children’s reservations, Clarkson isn’t actively seeking a relationship.

“I’m not looking for it. I’m not looking for a ‘you’ for Christmas,” she jokes, adding, “But I think the idea of love is beautiful, magical and part of our imagination.”

After separating from Blackstock in 2020, the Emmy-winning talk show host has made it clear she’s not ready for a serious relationship.

“I feel like I’m a magnet for people who are all-in right away and want to be exclusive,” Clarkson admits. “It’s not that I want to kiss a bunch of people, but I’m very non-committal right now … and I have little ones.”

She also explained to her daughter, “When Mommy’s ready, it’s OK. I’m allowed to do that.”

“They’re young, so it’s hard for them to imagine their mom with anyone other than their dad,” she says.

For now, the singer’s focus is on helping her kids adjust to their new life in New York City, where she moved to relaunch the Kelly Clarkson Show. As their primary caregiver, Clarkson has prioritized their well-being during this transition.

“My kids are thriving here. We’re doing so much better and needed a fresh start,” she told People.

Clarkson and Blackstock, who was once her music manager, married in 2013 and finalized their divorce in 2022 after lengthy disputes over custody and assets. Reflecting on the challenges of that period, Clarkson admits, “I was very depressed for the last three years—and maybe a little before that, if I’m being honest. I think I really needed the change.”