The Future of Kelly Clarkson's Show Revealed Amid Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock's Passing at 48

Fans can reportedly expect to see the "Stronger" singer back on their screens this fall. The news of her return follows months of speculation about her future with the program.

Kelly Clarkson is reportedly returning for the seventh season of NBC's "The Kelly Clarkson Show" later this year. New episodes are expected to drop this September, but an exact release date has yet to be confirmed.

TMZ broke the news on Friday, August 8, months after Kelly stepped away from the talk show in March of this year. Fans began noticing her absence when several celebrity guest hosts filled in for her while she was away.

It was later confirmed by sources that the "Catch My Breath" singer’s hiatus was due to her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock's illness. Brandon passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, after a years-long battle with melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. He was 48.

Kelly's staff on her namesake show reportedly knew about Brandon's health battles, but kept it quiet out of respect for the former couple's privacy. Following his passing, a family spokesperson released a statement through multiple media outlets.

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," the statement read. "Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family."

It concluded, "We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time."

Just a day before his death, Kelly had announced that she was postponing the August dates of her "Studio Sessions" residency in Las Vegas. The artist said at the time that she needed to be "fully present" for her children, River, 11, and Remington, 9, amid their father's illness.

Country star Reba McEntire, Brandon's former stepmother, was also a steady presence for the Blackstock family in the months leading up to the music manager's death.

Although divorced from Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, Reba showed her support at family gatherings and events. "Reba has spent more time with the Blackstock crew in the past year than in years prior," a source told Us Weekly, adding that past years had been "contentious."

"They really came together," the source said. In March, Reba even brought the entire family to the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she was a headliner, turning the trip into a family getaway.

"When she did her rodeo concert, which was a big deal for her, she flew out the entire family and they made a family vacation out of it," the insider continued. "They all spent a lot of time together."

Shelby Blackstock, Reba and Narvel's only son, shared several photos from the event on Instagram. In many of the images, Shelby can be seen posing alongside his loved ones, including his wife, Marissa, Reba, and her current partner, Rex Linn.

Brandon and his eldest daughter, Savannah Blackstock — whom he welcomed with ex-wife Melissa Ashworth, as well as his son, Seth — were also in attendance at the rodeo, along with his sisters, Chassidy and Shawna.

"Narvel and his wife, Laura, and Reba's boyfriend, Rex, are at a place where they can be together and talk, which is a big step," the insider added. "Reba has a heart of gold, and she was there for Brandon and his kids. They are family at the end of the day."

Shelby gave fans a glimpse of that familial bond with a heartfelt tribute to his brother on Instagram. "Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son," Shelby began.

"Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family—funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed," he continued. "He taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever."

Shelby added that for every "treasured moment" he shared with Brandon, there are "so many more" they'll never get to make together. "But I know you'll still be there. Every hunt, every flight, and in the everyday moments of life, I'll feel your presence," he said.

He also joked, "And although it may annoy you, you'll have to watch me do it all just a little better, a little smoother, and —let's be honest— looking far more handsome than you ever could in the process. 😏."

He then concluded his message, writing, "We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you."