Kellie Pickler made a poignant comeback to the stage a year after the tragic loss of her husband, producer/songwriter Kyle Jacobs.
When Pickler appeared at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday, she was part of the “Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline” concert alongside other renowned artists and received a warm round of applause from the audience.
Expressing her nerves before her performance, she shared with the crowd, “It’s 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 Ms. Patsy Cline. She is a huge reason why I fell in love with music.”
Pickler dedicated her song, “The Woman I Am,” to her late husband, a melody they had crafted together over ten years ago. Remembering their past moments, she stated, “I know he is here with us tonight.”
Other performers joining her on stage that evening included Sara Evans, Ashley McBryde, and many more as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
In February 2023, Jacobs sadly passed away due to suicide, leaving Pickler devastated. The couple, who got married in 2011, had starred in their own reality show, “I Love Kellie Pickler,” between 2015 and 2017.
Reflecting on her loss in August 2023, Pickler shared in a statement to The Tennessean about her husband’s teachings of being still when uncertain and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from loved ones and fans.
On TODAY in August 2016, Pickler and Jacobs previously emphasized how their bond was fortified by a strong support system and a carefree approach to life. Jacobs, a skilled songwriter, cherished his behind-the-scenes role but also collaborated with well-known artists like Kelly Clarkson and Scotty McCreery.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or seek support at 988lifeline.org. Additional resources are available at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.