Country singer Kellie Pickler gave her first statement since the tragic death of her husband, Kyle Jacobs, who died by suicide on February 17, 2023.
Jacobs, who was also a musician and songwriter, was 49 at the time of his death — and Pickler, 37, offered no public remarks at the time. Thursday’s statement, given to PEOPLE Magazine, included her own personal feelings, as well as details about a memorial service for her late husband.
“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,'” she said, as if to explain her lengthy silence. “I have chosen to heed his advice.”
Pickler went on to express her thanks to friends, family members, and fans who had reached out to her in the months since Jacobs’ death.
“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,” she said.
The “American Idol” alum then announced her plans to hold an “intimate memorial” for her late husband, explaining that it would likely be scheduled for this fall. “That is what Kyle would have wanted,” she said.
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According to previous reports, Nashville’s Department of Emergency Communications was called on the morning of February 17, 2023. Pickler had awakened that morning and when she was unable to locate Jacobs and found a door in the house they shared to be locked, her personal assistant made the call. When police arrived at the home, they found Jacobs to be deceased.
Authorities later revealed that the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.