Kelly Clarkson Reveals How Dolly Parton Helped Her Through a Difficult Moment
Kelly Clarkson was carrying the weight of a life-changing personal moment when she walked onto the stage at the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards to sing one of Dolly Parton’s most beloved songs.
Just 30 minutes before her performance of “I Will Always Love You,” Clarkson learned that her divorce from Brandon Blackstock had been finalized. Then, backstage, she crossed paths with Parton, who had personally chosen Clarkson to perform the song as a tribute to her.
Years later, Clarkson still remembers the brief conversation that helped her put the difficult moment aside and focus on the performance. She recently shared the story during an appearance on the Las Culturistas podcast.
A Tribute to Dolly Parton Came at an Unexpected Time
Clarkson and Parton had shared several memorable moments over the years, but their connection took on special meaning at the 2022 ACM Awards.
Parton had personally selected Clarkson to perform “I Will Always Love You” as a tribute. The song was an enormous challenge and an equally significant honor, particularly because Parton herself was there to watch the performance.
For Clarkson, however, the significance of the night was complicated by news she received immediately before taking the stage.
Her divorce from Blackstock had officially been finalized that same day. The couple had separated in 2020 after nearly seven years of marriage, and their divorce was finalized in March 2022.
Clarkson later recalled that Parton was nearby backstage and could see her preparing for the performance.
“I was like, ‘I’m sorry, it’s just kind of a wild moment for me, and I’ve got to go out there and do this song,’” Clarkson said.
Dolly Parton Helped Clarkson Shift Her Focus
When Clarkson encountered Parton backstage, she explained what she was going through. She did not reveal the exact words Parton shared with her, but Clarkson made clear that the conversation had a lasting effect.
Rather than allowing the personal turmoil of the moment to take over, Clarkson began to see the performance differently.
She knew she had been given the opportunity to honor Parton, and she wanted the moment to remain about the woman and the song she had been asked to celebrate.
Clarkson said the exchange helped her realize that she could not allow herself to fall apart just before walking onto the stage.
“But that moment for me and what she said backstage to me, it was just a really beautiful thing,” Clarkson recalled. “And really helpful, because I was like, ‘Oh my God, you cannot break. This moment isn’t about you. This is a tribute to someone.’”
Clarkson said that after speaking with Parton, she felt as though “so much had been lifted.” She described the advice as deeply meaningful and said it helped her get through what had been an incredibly emotional night.
A Personal Crisis Behind a Powerful Performance
The circumstances surrounding Clarkson’s performance add another layer to what viewers saw onstage that night.
She was preparing to sing a song written by Parton, in front of Parton herself, while privately processing the finalization of her marriage. Clarkson had only about half an hour to absorb the news before performing.
Parton’s presence gave Clarkson someone to turn to during those few minutes. Although Clarkson has never publicly detailed exactly what Parton told her backstage, she has consistently described the interaction as comforting and significant.
Parton later praised Clarkson’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” with Clarkson’s performance serving as one of the memorable tributes to Parton at the ceremony.
The moment has taken on added significance following Parton’s death in August 2026. Parton died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
For Clarkson, the memory is now a reminder not only of Parton’s generosity as an artist but also of the personal kindness she showed during a moment when Clarkson was struggling.
Clarkson’s Life After Divorce
Clarkson’s divorce from Blackstock marked the end of a nearly seven-year marriage. The former couple had two children, daughter River Rose and son Remington.
Blackstock died in August 2025 at the age of 48 after a three-year battle with cancer. Clarkson has since spoken about making more time for their children and the importance of being present for them following their father’s death.
Her children were also an important factor in her decision to bring The Kelly Clarkson Show to an end after seven seasons. The daytime program concluded in August 2026, although Clarkson has continued working on other projects.
She has remained involved with The Voice, including coaching during Season 30, while continuing to release music.
Clarkson also recently returned with “I’d Be Lyin’,” her first new single in more than a year.
A Memory Clarkson Will Carry With Her
The backstage encounter between Clarkson and Parton lasted only moments, but its impact stayed with Clarkson for years.
At a time when her personal life had suddenly become overwhelming, Parton helped her redirect her attention toward the purpose of the night: honoring a fellow artist through one of her most famous songs.
Clarkson’s recollection offers a glimpse of a private moment that unfolded just before a very public performance. It also gives new meaning to a night that was already important to both singers, especially now that Parton is no longer here to share that stage again.