Fans are still reeling from the news that Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce from her husband of nearly seven years, Brandon Blackstock, last week. Now, sources are coming forward to confirm that the quarantine for the coronavirus pandemic was the nail in the coffin for Clarkson’s marriage, as it caused the 38 year-old singer and talk show host to realize that things were not working between her and her husband.
A source told People magazine reported that cracks in Clarkson and Blackstock’s marriage became apparent as they quarantined together with their children at their home in Montana.
“It was a stressful time,” said the insider. “[Quarantining in Montana] exacerbated any issues.”
Last month, Clarkson had hinted that she was having issues in quarantine in another interview with People.
“We’ve been in really close quarters and it’s been kind of nuts. I’m not going to lie,” she said at the time. “There’s definitely some cabin fever going on. It’s challenging being a working mom.”
While some were shocked by the split, another source close to the couple said that Clarkson and Blackstock have “been like friends for a while,” and with work demands putting a major strain on their relationship.
“Things had changed in their marriage and the split was a while coming,” said the insider. “They both work so hard. It’s nearly impossible to enjoy each other, especially with the children needing constant attention.”
One of the strains may have stemmed from when the couple began working together on Clarkson’s talk shows, which Blackstock serves as executive producer on.
“Kelly and Brandon work together nonstop and that became a contention in their relationship,” an insider told Entertainment Tonight. “Brandon is the [executive producer] of her show, as well as her manager.”
It’s unclear at this time if Clarkson and Blackstock will continue to work together as they move forward with their divorce. Since announcing the split from her husband, Clarkson has moved back to Los Angeles with the two children she shares with Blackstock.
“Kelly’s been through a lot, and she thought Brandon was her happily ever after,” said the source. “It’s very sad.”
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