Kellie Pickler has broken her silence, six months after her husband, Kyle Jacobs, tragically died by suicide.
In a statement to People magazine on Thursday (August 17), the country music star thanked her fans for their support during what she says has been one of the hardest times in her life.
“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 said. “I have chosen to heed his advice.”
The country star and radio host continued: “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. As many of you have told me, you are all in my prayers.”
Pickler, 37, also announced her plans for Jacobs’ memorial service. She added: “I am planning an intimate memorial for my husband, which will happen later this fall, that is what Kyle would have wanted.”
Pickler married Jacobs – who was a songwriter and music producer – on New Year’s Day in 2011, and throughout their marriage Pickler had often shared heartfelt tributes to him, referring to her husband as “my love”.
In 2016, she celebrated Jacobs’ birthday with an Instagram post, saying: “Happy birthday to my loving husband and best friend. You are truly my greatest treasure… I love you so much!”
A year later, the ‘American Idol’ alum shared the story of how Jacobs had proposed to her, reminiscing on the sweet memory. “One of the most special days in my life will always be June 15th… It is my grandmother’s birthday and it’s also the day my husband Kyle proposed,” she said.
“That evening, after a romantic dinner, we took a sunset stroll on the beach… Little did I know, he had secretly planted a small wooden box in the sand,” she added. “It looked like it had washed up from sea, but upon opening it, I found a true treasure… Inside contained a journal that Kyle had written for me, a seashell with my Grandmother’s name ‘Faye’ written on it, and a beautiful engagement ring.”
The loving duo had previously met at a Nashville bar in 2008, with Pickler recalling: “I didn’t know who he was or what he did. We just locked eyes and I went, ‘I gotta know everything about this person.'”
The couple also had their own MTV series, “I Love Kellie Pickler,” which aired from 2015 to 2017.
As for Jacobs, he was gifted as a songwriter and producer, having worked with artists like Garth Brooks and Lee Brice.
He was sadly found dead on February 17, having died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Pickler had called 911 when she was unable to prize open the door to an upstairs room where he was eventually found. He was 49.
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Kellie Pickler and the late Kyle Jacobs at this difficult time.
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