Behind Kelly Clarkson’s hazel eyes are tears, because of her kids’ kind words.
As the daytime talk show host wrapped up the finale episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, she was joined by her and late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s kids River, 11, and Remington, 10, who shared their favorite moments from appearing on the show over the past seven years.
"I liked talking to Jason Momoa," Remington said during the Aug. 31 broadcast, "and singing 'My Way' with the band."
Meanwhile, River delivered a heartfelt message to her mom, adding, "I like watching you shine every single day."
At that, Kelly became misty-eyed and stepped back to regain her composure, quipping that her daughter pulled an Oprah Winfrey-style move on her.
After she pulled herself together, the “Since U Been Gone” singer—who spent the entire final episode performing her own songs, as well as her iconic Kellyoke covers—asked River and Remington to join her on stage for her final goodbye to the audience.
"I loved being in your homes each day," she said to camera as she wrapped her arms around her kids. "I’ve loved seeing my kiddos grow up on this show as well. I have immeasurable gratitude for everyone: the crew, the band, everybody here—thank you so much. This has been an incredible opportunity. Thank you for connecting with us."
And with her signature send-off, the Grammy winner added, “One last time, from this chapter before we turn the page: Have a great day. And if it's not, change it.”
Kelly’s inclusion of her kids during her final episode also reflects the reason she is stepping away from the daytime hosting gig, revealing earlier this year that, in the wake of her ex-husband’s death last year due to cancer, she wanted to focus on her kids.
“Our family life, the dynamic changed a bit, and it has changed for a minute now,” she said during a February appearance on Today. “It’s one of those things—you start seeing life as how precious it is, too."
As she put it, “There’s just too much on the plate, so I was like, ‘You know what? It’s time to pull back.’"
As Kelly closes her talk show chapter, read on to look back at the many stages of her life.