Kelly Clarkson Reveals How Dolly Parton Helped Her After Her Divorce Was Finalized
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Kelly Clarkson will never forget the encouraging words Dolly Parton shared with her just moments after her divorce was finalized.
During a recent episode of the Las Culturistas podcast, Clarkson opened up about her relationship with Parton, who passed away at 80 in August after a private battle with cancer.
The two shared several moments over the years, but one will always stand out to Clarkson. In 2022, Parton personally chose her to sing “I Will Always Love You” as a tribute to her at the ACM Awards.
Singing for Parton was a huge honor, and a moment Clarkson would never forget. But the special night was overshadowed by news she received minutes before she was supposed to take the stage.
Clarkson found out that her divorce from Brandon Blackstock had been finalized. They were married for nearly seven years before splitting in 2020.
“[Parton] was sidestage and watching me do it, but they didn’t know my divorce papers… Everything was final… 30 minutes before that performance,” Clarkson said.
Kelly Clarkson Recalls The Encouraging Words Dolly Parton Told Her
Clarkson ended up telling Parton what was going on when they ran into each other backstage. And, just like she had done for so many people over the years, Parton shared some kind words that helped Clarkson feel ready for her big performance.
“I was like, ‘I’m sorry, it’s just kind of a wild moment for me, and I’ve got to go out there and do this song,’” Clarkson recalled.
She didn’t share exactly what Parton said, but the conversation changed her perspective. It helped her focus on enjoying the moment and giving her best performance instead of worrying about her personal life.
“But that moment for me and what she said backstage to me, it was just a really beautiful thing,” Clarkson said. “And really helpful, because I was like, ‘Oh my God, you cannot break. This moment isn’t about you. This is a tribute to someone.’”
Clarkson went on to say that “so much had been lifted” after her talk with Parton, adding that the advice she gave her “was just a really beautiful thing.”
Blackstock passed away in August 2025 at the age of 48 after a three-year battle with cancer. He and Clarkson had two children, daughter River Rose (12), and son Remington (10).
Over the past year, Clarkson has made more time for her kids after losing their dad. It was one of the main reasons she decided to end The Kelly Clarkson Show after seven seasons.
But she hasn’t stepped away from work completely. She’s been keeping busy with her projects, including coaching on Season 30 of The Voice.
She also recently released the song “I’d Be Lyin’,” which is her first new single in over a year.
