Kelly Clarkson is determined that her kids will "come first" following Brandon Blackstock's passing

A source told Us Weekly: "It has been draining, exhausting, emotional [and] devastating."

The 43-year-old star - who had River, 11, and Remington, nine, with her ex-husband - tried hard to balance her TV career while taking care of her family, amid Brandon's cancer battle.

The insider explained: "A big part of it was making her schedule available for transporting the children to visit Brandon, and all of the emotions that came with this difficult time.

"Kelly is a workhorse. Hard work is all she knows. She hates disappointing people, truly. The thing that kept her going was knowing how many people depend on her, like her crews and employees."

Kelly is likely to return to her daytime talk-show later this year. However, her kids will remain Kelly's top priority.

The source said: "Her kids will come first, and she will find a way. She loves her work, but nothing compares to a situation like this."

Meanwhile, another source has claimed that Kelly is "staying strong" for her children.

The insider told People: "Kelly and Brandon had their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, he was the father of her children and she is absolutely heartbroken for them. Her kids are her entire world, and she's staying strong for their sake."

Brandon served as the pop star's manager during their marriage. And despite their acrimonious break-up, Kelly - who was married to Brandon between 2013 and 2022 - always tried to remain "classy" for the sake of their kids.

The insider added: "When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake.

"Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She's been devastated for the kids."