Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock had reportedly been dealing with problems in their marriage long before the pop icon filed for divorce from her husband. The spark was gone and work demands were putting pressure on an already strained relationship and that’s what ultimately destroyed the marriage, sources reveal to People.
"Things had changed in their marriage and the split was a while coming," one insider told the outlet. "They both work so hard. It's nearly impossible to enjoy each other, especially with the children needing constant attention."
Another source added that the couple had "been like friends for a while."
Being holed up in self-isolation together in Montana only compounded problems the couple was facing.
"It was a stressful time," one source revealed. "[Quarantining in Montana] exacerbated any issues."
Clarkson, who has been working on her upcoming album while also filming episodes of "The Kelly Clarkson Show" remotely, previously admitted to People that she was struggling with balancing being a mom and still trying to work while being cooped up at home.
"We've been in really close quarters and it's been kind of nuts. I'm not going to lie," she said. "There's definitely some cabin fever going on. It's challenging being a working mom."
Clarkson and Blackstock share two children together, River Rose, 5, and Remington Alexander, 4, and Blackstock has two other children, Savannah and Seth, from his previous marriage. Clarkson, who filed for divorce on June 4 citing "irreconcilable differences," has requested joint custody of their children.