Dolly Parton’s Heartfelt Words for Kelly Clarkson After Brandon Blackstock’s Passing
Dolly Parton is sending love, strength, and comfort to Kelly Clarkson following the heartbreaking death of Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock.
On Tuesday, Aug. 12, the country music legend spoke with deep compassion for her friend, offering wisdom shaped by her own recent loss — the death of her husband, Carl Dean, earlier this year after more than 60 years of marriage.
Dolly Speaks 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,” Parton shared in an interview with 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, speaking from a place of personal grief and resilience.
The “9 to 5” icon encouraged Clarkson to hold close the good memories of Blackstock, whom she 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 softly.
Although she has not yet spoken to Clarkson directly, Dolly plans to “catch up with her” after she wraps up promotion for her new book, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage.
Brandon Blackstock’s Final Battle
Brandon Blackstock died on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, at the age of 48, following a three-year battle with melanoma. The Silver Bow County, Montana coroner confirmed he passed away of natural causes at home in Butte, surrounded by his loved ones.
He leaves behind two young children with Clarkson — River and Remington — as well as two adult children from a previous marriage.
Blackstock and Clarkson married in 2013 and divorced in 2022. Despite their separation, tributes have poured in from across the music industry, reflecting the impact he had both personally and professionally. His management company, Starstruck Entertainment, shared the news with a request for privacy for the family during this time of mourning.