Kellie Pickler performs live for the first time since husband Kyle Jacobs’ suicide: ‘I know he is here with us’

Kellie Picker has found the strength to sing again.

Fourteen months after her husband Kyle Jacobs died by suicide in February 2023, the country star performed for the first time since his death on Monday night.

The occasion for her triumphant comeback was the “Walkin’ After Midnight” tribute to Patsy Cline at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium.

“How we doin’ tonight, y’all? I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m incredibly nervous right now,” she said in a video shared via TikTok while addressing the crowd. “It’s been the first time I’ve been up on stage in a while.”

To make it even more of an emotional moment, the 2006 “American Idol” alum even sang a song that she co-wrote with her late husband: “The Woman I Am.”

“My husband and I actually wrote this song together, gosh, over a decade ago,” she said. “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.”

Picker, 37, went on to acknowledge the support she has received since Jacobs’ untimely passing at age 49. “Thank y’all so much for having me,” she said. “I’m going to do the best I can.”

The crowd erupted in applause toward the end of Pickler’s performance, as the singer brought the song home with a high note.

The Cline tribute held a special place in Pickler’s heart. In fact, she was “incredibly honored” to perform.

“She is a huge reason why I fell in love with music,” said Pickler.

It was a long way back for Pickler after heartbreak and tragedy.

After the Metropolitan Nashville Police received a 911 call made “from a home on Sneed Road in the police department’s West Precinct,” a statement continued that “Officers and Nashville Fire Department personnel responded and located resident Kyle Jacobs, 49, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in an upstairs bedroom/office.”

“Mr. Jacobs’ wife, Kellie Pickler, reported that she awoke a short time earlier, did not see her husband, and began looking for him,” the statement continued in February 2023. “After she and her personal assistant were unable to open the door to the upstairs bedroom/office, the assistant telephoned 911.”

The Davidson Country Medical Examiner later ruled that Jacobs died by suicide.

Pickler broke her silence on Jacobs’ death in August 2023.

“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 noted in a statement to People at the time.

“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.”

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.