Kelly Clarkson has begun picking up the pieces of her life following the tragic death of her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock, but according to a source, her friends are encouraging her to take her time before making any major decisions about what to do next with her hectic career.

The talent manager died at 48 of a form of skin cancer as the singer and TV host has canceled tapings and concerts as the news was revealed.

Brandon Blackstock, the talent manager and former husband of Kelly Clarkson, died of melanoma, a form of skin cancer, on Aug. 7. The Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis tells PEOPLE Blackstock "passed away peacefully at his home in Butte,