Dolly Parton is sending love and comfort to Kelly Clarkson after the heartbreaking death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
On Tuesday (Aug. 12), the country legend spoke with deep compassion for her friend, sharing lessons she’s learned through her own recent loss.
Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, died earlier this year after more than 60 years of marriage, giving her a unique perspective to share with Clarkson.
Dolly Speaking From the Heart
“I think you just have to be grateful for the years that you’ve had with someone and you just try to remember the very best of all that,” the country icon told Entertainment Tonight.
“Take their energy that they have given you … and kinda just recycle that and let that become a part of you,” she continued.
Read More: Brandon Blackstock Obituary Answers Pressing Questions
Speaking from a deeply personal place of grief, the “9 to 5” singer encouraged Clarkson to hold on to the good memories of Blackstock, whom the American Idol winner was married to for nearly a decade.
“Just honor their memory and just know they’re in a better place than we are these days,” Parton said.
The best-selling author added that she hasn’t yet reached out to Clarkson personally, but plans to “catch up with her” once she finishes promoting her new book, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage.
How Did Brandon Blackstock Die?
Brandon Blackstock died on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, after a three-year battle with skin cancer (melanoma). He was 48 years old.
The Silver Bow County (Montana) coroner confirmed that Blackstock died of natural causes at home in Butte, Montana, surrounded by his family.
Read More: Brandon Blackstock’s Oldest Son Offers Heart-Wrenching Tribute: ‘I Lost My Hero’
Blackstock was the father of Clarkson’s two children — River and Remington — as well as two adult children from a previous marriage.
He and the “Keeping Score” singer got married in 2013 and divorced in 2022.
News of Clarkson’s ex-husband’s death has drawn tributes from fans and friends across the music community.
His management company, Starstruck Entertainment, shared the news with a request for privacy as the family grieves.
Reba Remembers Brandon Blackstock
Reba McEntire also paid tribute to Blackstock, her former stepson, in a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday.
“Last week, my stepson/oldest son, Brandon Blackstock, went home to be with God. His struggle is over, and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence,” the country superstar wrote alongside a carousel of photos of the pair.
Read More: Here’s What Reba McEntire Said About Brandon Blackstock Before He Died
“There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family,” McEntire added. “Rest in peace, cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”
Country Women Whose Husbands Died Too Soon
It’s a sorority you never want to be a part of. Learn the stories of country women whose husbands died too soon. Also included are singers who lost a very longterm boyfriend, ex-husband and more.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
