Kelly Clarkson has “been devastated” for her kids River, 11, and Remington, 9, as their dad Brandon Blackstock, who died on Thursday, Aug. 7 at age 48, faced cancer for three years privately, a source tells PEOPLE exclusively.

The 'American Idol' alum has two beautiful kids with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, and despite their divorce, they've put their children first.

Kelly Clarkson's Kids Hoped She’d Reconcile With Brandon Blackstock Before His Tragic Death originally appeared on Parade. Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock's two kids had hoped their parents would get back together before Blackstock's tragic death from cancer at age 48.