diff --git a/drivers/block/xen-blkback/xenbus.c b/drivers/block/xen-blkback/xenbus.c
index 823f3480ebd19..f974ed7c33b5d 100644
--- a/drivers/block/xen-blkback/xenbus.c
+++ b/drivers/block/xen-blkback/xenbus.c
@@ -219,6 +219,7 @@ static int xen_blkif_disconnect(struct xen_blkif *blkif)
 
 	if (blkif->xenblkd) {
 		kthread_stop(blkif->xenblkd);
+		blkif->xenblkd = NULL;
 		wake_up(&blkif->shutdown_wq);
 	}