Dolly Parton reveals how to cope with loss in heartbreaking message to Kelly Clarkson
Dolly Parton has offered her friend Kelly Clarkson some words of advice after the tragic death of her ex-husband. Brandon Blackstock died last week, aged 48, after losing his battle with cancer; five months after Dolly's husband, Carl Dean, passed away, leaving the Jolene star heartbroken.
Dolly shared her words of wisdom for Kelly shortly after her friend and fellow country singer Reba McEntire — who was Blackstock's former stepmother — broke her silence about his death.
Reaching out to Reba and Kelly, Dolly advised the women to focus on the happier memories they have of Brandon. It comes after it was revealed that the talent manager was in a relationship with Kelly's former assistant before he died.
READ MORE: Ozzy Osbourne's 'played prank' on daughter Kelly at funeral from beyond the grave
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Dolly said: "I think that you just have to be grateful for the years that you've had with someone, and just try to remember the very best of all that."
She also suggested that those dealing with grief should take the "energy" from those better times in the past and "just recycle "that' and "let that become a part of you."
Dolly added that Kelly, who shares two children with Brandon, whom she was married to for seven years, should "honour" his memory, concluding that the star should take comfort in knowing that their loved ones "are in a better place than we are these days."
When asked if she had spoken to Kelly since Brandon's death, Dolly admitted that she hadn't yet but would "catch up with her" because "I love Kelly."
She explained: "No, I have not," adding that she had been busy promoting her new memoir Star Of The Show: My Life On Stage.
"But I will, I'll catch up with her," Dolly added.
The star also said that she would have a chance to see Reba soon, as they were going to be working together to sort out publicity for her new book.
"I love Reba and I love Kelly," Dolly declared, before explaining into how difficult it is to keep up with her friends and their busy show business schedules.
In March, Dolly suffered her own tragedy when her beloved husband, Carl, died after nearly 60 years of marriage to the 9 to 5 star.
In a tearjerking tribute, Dolly looked on the "many wonderful years" the pair spent together as she shared deep love for Dean and thanked fans for their prayers.
She said: "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."
The couple had been married since 1966.
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