Kellie Pickler Makes Emotional Return To Stage Following Husband's Death

"American Idol" alum Kellie Pickler took to the stage at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville last night for her first live performance since the death of her husband, Kyle Jacobs, in February of 2023. Pickler was performing as part of the "Walkin' After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline" concert.

Pickler Met With Standing Ovation From Crowd

As she walked on stage in a black sparkling gown and greeted the audience with a sweet smile, she said, "How we doin' tonight, y'all?" Pickler, 37, was met with a standing ovation and applause from the crowd.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I was incredibly nervous right now. It's the first time I've been up on stage in a while," she said as music swelled behind her.

"I will say that I am incredibly honored to be a part of honoring Miss Patsy Cline. She is a huge reason why I fell in love with music."

"My husband and I actually wrote this song together, gosh, 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."

As her emotions seemed to get the best of her, the singer thanked the crowd for having her and said, "I'm going to do the best I can," before launching into the song, "The Woman I Am."

Pickler And Jacobs' Love Story

Pickler met Jacobs in the mid-2000s through mutual friends. Entertainment Tonight recalled the story of their first meeting.

"According to Pickler, she was at a bar in Nashville with friends when she spotted him, walked up to him and started chatting him up. Pickler admits, she's the one who shot her shot. 'I was out with a friend of ours—we had mutual friends—and I look across the room and I see this guy, Kyle. 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.'"

Pickler later swooned over Jacobs during an appearance on "The Ellen Degeneres Show" in 2010.

"In all honesty, I have been so blessed with the most amazing man ever... He is such a man of God. He's so amazing. He has showed me what love is, what love really is. I've never been treated so respectfully. I've never been treated so loved the way he loves me. And it's so important to find that and never settle with a loser."

Pickler And Jacobs' Worked Together Throughout The Years

Jacobs was a successful songwriter, having penned tunes for country superstars like Garth Brooks, Trace Adkins, and Tim McGraw.

The couple eloped in 2011 and went on to star in their own reality show, "I Love Kellie Pickler," on CMT. The show ran for three seasons. They also made appearances on shows like talk shows and game shows like  "Celebrity Family Feud," and Jacobs guested occasionally on her talk show, "Pickler & Ben."

Tragedy Hits Home For The Couple

In February of 2023, after reports of a death at Pickler's home in Nashville, it was confirmed that Kyle Jacobs had died by suicide. He was 49 years old.

Page Six reported that on the day of Jacobs' death, "The 'American Idol' alum reportedly woke up and couldn’t find her husband, according to the statement. After Pickler and her personal assistant searched the home, they realized a door upstairs was locked. Despite numerous attempts to get through the door, the pair called the police, who arrived at the home shortly after 1 p.m. local time."

Pickler Thanks Fans For Support Through 'Darkest Time'

A few months later, Pickler broke her silence on her husband's passing in a statement to People magazine.

"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. 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."