Kellie Pickler has spoken out for the first time since her husband’s tragic death six months ago.
In a statement issued to PEOPLE, Kellie Pickler thanked fans for their support 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,'” Pickler, 37, 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,” the American Idol alum added. “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.”
Kellie also announced that an “intimate memorial” service is planned for Kyle later this year.
Kyle Jacobs and Kellie Pickler eloped in Antigua on New Year’s Day 2011, just months after getting engaged.
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The couple starred in three seasons of the I Love Lucy-esque reality show, I Love Kellie Pickler, which came to an end in 2017. Kellie and Kyle had successful careers in their own right. Kyle was an acclaimed Nashville songwriter who charted hits such as Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory,” Lee Brice’s “Rumor” and “Still” by Tim McGraw.
In addition to keeping up with her music career, Kellie co-hosted daytime talk show Pickler & Ben, starred in several Hallmark movies and won Dancing With The Stars.
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On February 17, police were called to Kyle Jacobs and Kellie Pickler’s home where they found Jacobs dead from an apparent suicide.
Pickler told authorities she couldn’t find her 49-year-old husband when she woke up that morning. She and her assistant called police after a door to an upstairs room wouldn’t open. Jacobs was found inside with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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Kyle Jacobs appeared on Dancing With The Stars to perform his song “I Do” while his wife and Derek Hough danced a beautiful Rumba. Watch that performance below.