'She's in the tribe': Henry Winkler offers tips to emotional Kelly Clarkson about dealing with daughter River's dyslexia
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor and author Henry Winkler shared some inspiring words for Kelly Clarkson's daughter during an appearance on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' on April 18th. The former 'Happy Days' star, who has written several children’s books, talked about his personal experience with dyslexia, a learning difficulty that Clarkson's daughter also shares. Clarkson mentioned that her daughter River, who is in the second grade, was getting bullied at school for struggling to read like her peers. In response, Winkler offered some comforting words: "She's in the tribe." He explained that dyslexia is more common than people realize, with one in five children being affected by it, as reported by TODAY.
During the show, Clarkson mentioned how important it was for her daughter to hear about successful people who have dyslexia, like Winkler. She shared how a program at her daughter's school about dyslexia had empowered her daughter, and she thanked Winkler for being open about his own struggles with dyslexia. Winkler then looked directly into the camera to deliver a powerful message to River and others struggling with dyslexia: "How you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are." Clarkson was moved to tears by the message, jokingly saying, "My makeup artist is going to kill me."
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Winkler, an inspiration
During his appearance on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show,' Winkler, who has written several children’s books, offered to give books to Clarkson's daughter, River, who is in second grade. "I have books for her!" Winkler exclaimed upon hearing River's grade level. Clarkson revealed that she has already been reading Winkler's books, prompting him to share his pride with the audience. "Kelly Clarkson has my books," he said with a smile.
The singer further explained how Winkler's openness about his dyslexia had inspired River. "Her school actually did a whole thing on dyslexia," Clarkson said before adding "and they pointed out, Captain America, Anthony Mackie, is dyslexic. Shazam, Zachary Levi, is dyslexic. You're dyslexic, they were showing all your pictures, and everything that ya'll have done, and it really empowered her that ya'll are so open about it."
Impact of divorce
Clarkson has two children, eight-year-old River, and seven-year-old Remington, with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. The singer has been open about the impact of her divorce on their children, particularly on River. In a recent interview with the 'Angie Martinez IRL' podcast, Clarkson revealed how she checks in with her children each night.
Clarkson also shared that her children sometimes express sadness over the divorce. She said, "You know, I’m just really sad. I wish Mommy and Daddy were in the same house." The comment deeply affects Clarkson, but she also takes pride in raising children who are honest with her. "I’m raising that kind of individual. I want you to be honest with me," she said. Clarkson's new song, 'Mine,' has been interpreted by many as addressing her split from Blackstock.