The last five years for Kelly Clarkson have been a period of dramatic change and growth. From her divorce from Brandon Blackstock to moving across the country to start over, she’s been through a massive trial.

Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, died following a battle with cancer, his rep shared Aug. 7. He and Clarkson shared kids River Rose, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 9.

She always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad,” a source told People on Thursday.