Kelly Clarkson had an emotional moment on her talk show after Henry Winkler gave a heartfelt message to her daughter.
Though most known for his acting roles, including in hit series Barry, Winkler has written 38 children's books. Clarkson, who is a mother of two, invited him on The Kelly Clarkson show to talk about his success as an author, which he has achieved while having dyslexia.
"I was driving my daughter to school yesterday, and she's dyslexic," Clarkson shared. "And you have told me that you're dyslexic as well. I find that amazing, to tell my daughter that you've written like 40 books and you're dyslexic."
The singer shared that her eight-year-old, River, had been "getting bullied at school for not being able to read like all the other kids." Clarkson added that before her daughter's diagnosis, she "didn't know how common" learning disabilities in children are.
Winkler noted that one in five children have been diagnosed, which doesn't include children who may struggle but remain undiagnosed. The International Dyslexia Association reports 15 to 20 percent of the population has “some symptoms of dyslexia.”
Clarkson continued to say that her daughter's school has resources to help aide struggling students, but what's helped River feel better is learning how many celebrities and other people have dyslexia.
“Her school actually did a whole thing on dyslexia ... and they were pointing out Captain America, Anthony Mackie, is dyslexic. Shazam, Zachary Levi, is dyslexic. You’re dyslexic. They were showing all your pictures, and everything y’all have done ... and it really empowered her that y’all are so open about it," she said.
Winkler said that River is "part of the tribe," then turned to the camera to directly address her, saying, "River! How you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are."
Clarkson began to tear up, then joked, “My makeup artist is going to kill me."
With his creative partner Lin Oliver, Winkler founded the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. They have written 38 children's books, the latest being Beaver McBeaver, the tale of a duckling adopted by a beaver who dreams of becoming a detective. It is scheduled for release in October.
