Kelly Clarkson reflects on the importance of 'me time' in the aftermath of her divorce

Kelly Clarkson has given fans more insight into her marriage breakdown, revealing one of the toughest challenges she faced during her relationship with Brandon Blackstock.

The American Idol winner, who tied the knot with the country music manager in 2013, filed for divorce last June, citing ‘irreconcilable differences.’ Despite keeping most of the details of the experience private, Kelly recently spoke out about one major contributing factor to the split. 

“I think that sometimes you’re around each other too much,” the Grammy award-winning musician said on Monday, during a segment on relationships on her NBC daytime talk show.

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Although the discussion was not centered on Kelly’s romantic history, the mom-of-two found herself reflecting on the importance of spending time alone when in an intimate relationship. 

“That’s what I think, being single now. I'm like, 'God, I don’t think my ex and I ever had, like, me time.' I definitely didn’t.” 

Kelly has also used her TV platform to explore the difficulties of co-parenting. The busy mother, who shares a young son and daughter with Brandon, is struggling to adapt to the practicalities of raising kids with an ex-partner. 

“It’s tough,” she admitted, during a virtual interview with Khloe Kardashian. “I know with me and Brandon it’s just a difficult thing because we’re in different places.” 

Kelly, who holds primary custody of the couple’s kids, is based in Los Angeles, while Brandon lives in Montana. The children spend time with their father for an agreed period of time on vacations, as well as remotely via video calling. 

“We both agree on the main things but it’s a hard thing when you’re not together all the time,” she added. 

While Kelly is known for her outspoken nature, the singer intends to keep the nitty-gritty of her separation under wraps. She is committed to protecting the privacy of her family, for the well-being of her two kids. 

“I am an open book, but at some point, I’m a mama bear more than I am a person in the public eye,” she told Entertainment Weekly last October. “I care 100 percent more about my children than I do anything else on this planet.”