diff --git a/drivers/block/xen-blkback/xenbus.c b/drivers/block/xen-blkback/xenbus.c
index 702ebfc4face..9a4ac6fd262a 100644
--- a/drivers/block/xen-blkback/xenbus.c
+++ b/drivers/block/xen-blkback/xenbus.c
@@ -262,6 +262,7 @@ static int xen_blkif_disconnect(struct xen_blkif *blkif)
 
 		if (ring->xenblkd) {
 			kthread_stop(ring->xenblkd);
+			ring->xenblkd = NULL;
 			wake_up(&ring->shutdown_wq);
 		}