Kelly Clarkson Steps Away from Texas Flood Benefit After Ex-Husband’s Passing

Kelly Clarkson will no longer perform at this weekend’s Band Together Texas benefit concert, stepping back from the event in the wake of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s death.

The concert, organized by Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum, is set for Sunday, Aug. 17, at Austin’s Moody Center to raise funds for communities impacted by July’s severe floods. Clarkson had been announced as part of the lineup, but organizers shared in a now-expired Instagram Stories post that she would not attend due to “personal circumstances,” according to Entertainment Weekly. “We send our love to Kelly and her family,” the statement read.

Blackstock, a former talent manager and the stepson of country music star Reba McEntire, died on Aug. 7 at age 48 after a three-year battle with cancer. He and Clarkson were married for nearly seven years before separating in 2020. The two share two children: daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander. Following his passing, Clarkson also postponed the remainder of her Las Vegas residency to be with her family.

In a statement to fans about the residency pause, Clarkson said, “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows, and I so appreciate your grace, kindness, and understanding.”

While Clarkson will no longer appear, the benefit will still feature a star-studded roster of performers, including Ryan Bingham, Wade Bowen, Ronnie Dunn, Dylan Gossett, Jack Ingram, Cody Johnson, Lyle Lovett, Lukas Nelson, Jon Randall, and the Randy Rogers Band. Texas natives Matthew McConaughey, Dennis Quaid, and Chris Harrison are also slated to make appearances, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.

Lambert and McCollum launched Band Together Texas to support ongoing recovery efforts for flood-affected communities across the state.