In a December 2020 appearance Brooks made on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the American Idol winner opened up about how "The Dance" got her through rough times during her divorce from husband Brandon Blackstock, which she announced in June of last year. In regards to how to song made her feel, Clarkson, said:

"I couldn't quite nail down the feeling. I was, like, well, you don't want to crap on it. Like, you don't want to say that didn't count or matter, but you don't know what to put in it because it didn't work out how you wanted and so, anyway, I kid you not, I was listening to my playlist and 'The Dance' came on and I was like, 'No, that's the thing. That's it.'"

Clarkson and Blackstock, a music manager, tied the knot in October 2013 and had two children together before their June 2020 split.

The Kennedy Center Honors awards those whose work in the performing arts has contributed greatly to American culture. Other stars to be honored at this year's ceremony are actress and choreographer Debbie Allen, singer-songwriter Joan Baez, violinist Midori and legendary actor Dick Van Dyke.