Kellie Pickler, who lost her husband Kyle Jacobs to suicide in February 2023, has found the strength to return to performing. On Monday night, she took to the stage at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium for the ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’ tribute to Patsy Cline.
In a video shared via TikTok, Pickler addressed the crowd, acknowledging her nervousness at being back on stage for the first time since her husband’s death. ‘How we doin’ tonight, y’all? I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m incredibly nervous right now,’ she said.
The 2006 ‘American Idol’ alum also performed ‘The Woman I Am,’ a song she co-wrote with Jacobs. ‘My husband and I actually wrote this song together, gosh, over a decade ago,’ she said. ‘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.’
Pickler, 37, thanked the crowd for their support and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to perform. ‘Thank y’all so much for having me,’ she said. ‘I’m going to do the best I can.’
The crowd erupted in applause toward the end of Pickler’s performance, as the singer brought the song home with a high note. The Cline tribute held a special place in Pickler’s heart, as she was ‘incredibly honored’ to perform. ‘She is a huge reason why I fell in love with music,’ said Pickler.
Pickler’s return to stage marks a significant step in her healing journey after the heartbreak and tragedy she has endured. The Metropolitan Nashville Police received a 911 call in February 2023 from a home on Sneed Road, where officers found Jacobs, 49, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Pickler broke her silence on Jacobs’ death in August 2023, noting that one of the most beautiful lessons he taught her was ‘in a moment of crisis, if you don’t know what to do, ‘do nothing, just be still.” She expressed her gratitude for the support she received during that difficult time, adding, ‘As many of you have told me, you are all in my prayers.’
