Kelly Clarkson is expressing a message of gratitude. 

The talk show host returned to social media for the first time since the passing of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock—father to her children River, 11, and Remington, 9—with an emotional post to commemorate 23 years since she won American Idol.

“To everyone that took time 23 years ago to call in and vote for me, thank you,” Kelly wrote on Instagram Sept. 4. “Winning American Idol changed my life and I will be forever grateful for all of you that have supported me for so many years.”

She continued to share her appreciation for the life she’s built, stating, “It is a gift to find your purpose and passion, and to be able to make a living doing it is the cherry on top. Thank you, always.”

This milestone occurs during a challenging time for her family, as Blackstock’s representative confirmed on Aug. 7 that he had passed away at age 48 after battling cancer. 

Clarkson—whose NBC show returns on Sept. 29—announced she would be postponing concerts from her Las Vegas residency to support her children while discussing her former husband’s illness.

“While I usually keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them,” the Kelly Clarkson Show host wrote in an Aug. 6 statement on Instagram. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows, and I greatly appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”