American Idol and DWTS alum Kellie Pickler returned to perform on stage for the first time since her husband’s tragic death
American Idol and Dancing with the Stars alum Kellie Pickler returned to the stage Monday night (April 22) for the first time since the tragic death of her husband, Kyle Jacobs, by suicide.
The country singer and actress took part in a concert honoring the late country music legend, Patsy Cline which took place at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The crowd gave Kellie a standing ovation when she took the stage.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was not incredibly nervous right now,” she shared from the stage, as seen in a TikTok video posted by by Music Mayhem Magazine. “It’s been the first time I’ve been up on stage in a while. I will say that I am incredibly honored to be a part of honoring Miss Patsy Cline. She is a huge reason why I fell in love with music.”
Kyle wrote songs for artists such as Garth Brooks, Trace Adkins and George Strait. Kelly chose to sing a song, “The Woman I Am” that she co-wrote with her late husband.
“My husband and I actually wrote this song together, gosh, over a decade ago,” she told the audience. The last time I was here in the Ryman Auditorium was with him on a date night, and I know he is here with us tonight.”
Kellie Pickler’s husband died by suicide in February 2023
Kyle Jacobs died at age 49 in February 2023. According to law enforcement reports, Kellie was asleep, but woke a short time before the incident. When she did not see Kyle, she began looking for him. When she and an assistant were unable to open the upstairs bedroom door, they called 911. Police reported that he shot himself in an upstairs bedroom/office inside the house.
The cause of death was confirmed later by an autopsy report which stated Kyle died by an “intraoral shotgun wound.” His toxicology results revealed no drugs in his system at the time of his death. “Adult white male with a history of pseudoseizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, elevated liver enzymes, and chronic alcohol use suffered a self-inflicted shotgun wound,” his autopsy stated.
Six months later in August 2023, Kellie thanked her fans for their support.
“One of the most beautiful lessons my husband taught me was in a moment of a crisis, if you don’t know what to do, ‘do nothing, just be still,'” she told People. “I have chosen to heed his advice. Thank you to my family, friends, and supporters, for the countless letters, calls, and messages that you have sent my way. It has truly touched my soul and it’s helping me get through the darkest time in my life.”
Kellie and Kyle married back in 2011, and both starred on the I Love Kellie Pickler reality show for 3 seasons starting in 2015.
