A little over a year after her husband took his own life, Kellie Pickler is returning to the stage for the first time for a very special reason.
On February 17, 2023, songwriter Kyle Jacobs died from a self-inflicted gun shot wound.
He and Pickler had just celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary the month before he passed away. They became beloved celebrities thanks to their CMT reality show I Love Kellie Pickler.
Kellie’s hilarious antics paired with Kyle’s calm demeanor and the way he handled her larger than life personality made them “couple goals.”
Since his passing, Kellie has stayed out of the spotlight, only releasing a statement to the media in August 2023. She thanked her fans for sending her love during “the darkest time in my 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. I have chosen to heed his advice,” she said at the time.
She 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.”
In December 2023, Kellie listed the home she shared with Jacobs for $2.89 million.
Two months after her husband’s passing, she took a step back from her daily radio show on Sirius XM The Highway, with Macie Banks taking over her time slot at the time.
A little over a year after Kyle’s passing, Kellie has set her return to the stage for a Patsy Cline tribute show.
On February 27, the Ryman Auditorium announced Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline, a tribute concert that will feature performances from Ashley McBryde. Beverly D’Angelo, Home Free, Kristin Chenoweth, Mandy Barnett, Mickey Guyton, Natalie Grant, Rita Wilson, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna, and more.
On March 18, they added even more artists to the star-studded lineup! Those are artists are Crystal Gayle, Dailey & Vincent, Grace Potter, Kellie Pickler, and Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo.
This event, which will take place on April 22, will mark Kellie’s first return to the stage and public appearance since her husband’s tragic death.
We’re sure she will be welcomed with opened arms. Kellie performed Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” while she competed on the fifth season of American Idol. Watch that performance below.