Kellie Pickler's Emotional Return to the Stage After Husband Kyle Jacobs' Death Has Us Sobbing

It’s been over a year since Kellie Pickler lost her husband of 12 years, Kyle Jacobs, and she hadn’t stepped on the stage until Monday night at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The 37-year-old American Idol alum chose a poignant song to mark her return: “The Woman I Am,” a piece she co-wrote with her late husband.

The moment was just as emotional as you would expect. Pickler shared some thoughts with the crowd, who were there to celebrate the Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline tribute show. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was not incredibly nervous right now. It’s the first time I’ve been up on stage in a while,” Pickler revealed. “My husband and I actually wrote this song together 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.”

More from SheKnows

• Kim Kardashian's Last Interaction With O.J. Simpson Is Resurfacing After His Death

Wearing a black gown with sparkling silver accents, Pickler reassured herself and the audience that she was “gonna do the best I can” while navigating her heartfelt performance. To no one’s surprise, the country singer earned a standing ovation from her supporters, who were so happy to see her back onstage and sharing her talents with the world after tragically losing Jacobs to suicide in February 2023. Pickler took the time to mourn the songwriter, who was a huge part of her career success.

She took six months out of the public eye before breaking her silence. “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 said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight. “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.”

Fans were invested in Pickler and Jacobs’ marriage after they shared their home life on the reality show, I Love Kellie Pickler, which ran from 2015 until 2017. He was also a fixture in the audience when she competed and won the 17th season of Dancing With the Stars with pro Derek Hough. While the loss is a deep one for Pickler, it’s wonderful to see her back where she belongs after taking the private time she needed.

If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.

Before you go, click here for more documentaries about strong women in music.

Best of SheKnows

• 27 Actors Who Played Pregnant Characters While Pregnant IRL

• Lindsay Mendez & J. Alex Brinson, & More Celebrities Who Got Married in 2024

• 12 Movies & TV Shows That Portray People With Autism in a Thoughtful Way

Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.