Kellie Pickler made an emotional return to the stage Monday when she performed at a tribute concert for the legendary Patsy Cline.
Pickler, 37, joined several other artists on stage at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline. While the majority of the featured performers sang a cover of Cline’s, Pickler chose a song she co-wrote with her late husband.
See the video below.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was incredibly nervous right now,” Pickler said when she got on stage. “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.”
She then went on to introduce a song that she and her late husband, Kyle Jacobs, co-wrote “over a decade ago.”
“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,” she told the audience.
Jacobs died by suicide in February 2023. He was 49.
Six months after his death, Pickler issued a statement, thanking everyone for the 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,'” the American Idol alum said. “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. As many of you have told me, you are all in my prayers.”
Her performance brought tears to my eyes. I just know Kyle would have loved it.
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