Kelly Clarkson – and no doubt her viewers – were left tearing up after a guest had some heartfelt words of advice for her dyslexic daughter.Henry Winkler, 77, appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to promote his book series for children, Detective Duck, when the host shared a story from her own life.
The television presenter cited Winkler as an inspiration for her daughter, because he’d written books as a person with dyslexia.
Clarkson, 41, said: “I find that amazing to tell my daughter that you’ve written like forty books and you’re dyslexic.”She was getting bullied at school for not being able to read like all the other kids.”Clarkson insisted that she’d been reading Winkler’s books to her daughter, River, who is eight years old.
Speaking of River’s school, Clarkson said: “Her school did a whole thing on dyslexia, and they were pointing out Captain America and Shazam are dyslexic.”It really empowered her that y’all are so open about it.”
At this point, Winkler, who is best known for playing ‘The Fonz’ on Happy Days, decided to share some words of encouragement to River.
Speaking directly to the camera, the 77-year-old said: “How you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are.” This sweet message obviously touched River’s mum, as Clarkson could be seen welling up.
As she reached for the tissues and began dabbing her eyes, the ‘Stronger’ singer repeated to her audience: “We’re fine! It’s fine!”My make up artist is going to kill me! That’s so nice!”To reassure the TV host, Winkler said: “You look good. Nothing is dripping.”You don’t look like Giuliani at all!”
This joke was in reference to former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani, whose hair dye infamously ran down his face during a 2020 press conference.River is one of two kids Clarkson has with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, along with son Remington, who is seven years old.
Clarkson has been open about how difficult her divorce from Blackstock has been on her children.Speaking on The Angie Martienz IRL podcast, she said: “Sometimes they’ll say, especially the past two years – and it kills me and I want them to be honest, so I don’t ever say, ‘Oh god, don’t tell me that’ – but a lot of times it would be like, ‘You know, I’m just really sad. I wish mommy and daddy were in the same house’.
“I just sit there and I’m like, ‘I get it. I’m from a divorced family as well. I get it. That sucks. But we’re going to work it out. And you are so loved by both of us’.”