Grief is complicated.
When the person you're grieving is an ex-partner or someone you had an otherwise difficult relationship with, it can be even more complicated.
Right now, Kelly Clarkson is dealing with the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. She and Blackstock, who share two children, made headlines over the years for their acrimonious divorce. In an interview with USA TODAY in 2023, Clarkson described the anger she felt from their split.
On Wednesday, Aug., 6, Clarkson announced she'd be stepping away from her Las Vegas residency amid Blackstock's illness. The next day, Blackstock's family released a statement announcing he died at age 48 after having "bravely battled cancer for more than three years."
Mental health experts say this news is an important reminder about the complex nature of grief. When someone you had a bad falling out with dies, it's crucial to understand that contradictory feelings are normal − and people's experiences are going to vary.
