Kellie Pickler, Husband Kyle Jacobs Relationship Timeline

Country singer Kellie Pickler and late husband Kyle Jacobs shared a beautiful marriage rooted in music, but it was tragically cut short when Kyle died by suicide on February 17 at the age of 49. Meeting through mutual friends in the mid-2000s, Kyle and Kellie started collaborating on different musical projects, as he too was a songwriter. Their bond transformed from one of respect to romance, and they tied the knot in 2011.

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Amid the startling news of Kyle’s death and Kellie’s statement released six months later, revisit their love story.

First Meeting

Kellie and Kyle met in the mid-2000s and started collaborating together. Kyle was a multi-hyphenate talent – a singer, musician and songwriter – and he worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Kelly Clarkson, Trace Adkins, Scotty McCreery and Kellie. After moving to Nashville from Minnesota in 2000, Kyle joined Curb Word Publishing as a staff writer in 2003.

As a songwriter, Kyle was responsible for “what became the fastest rising single in the history of country music,” Garth Brooks‘ hit “More Than A Memory,” which charted at No. 1. Kyle also cowrote “Still” by Tim McGraw and “Dust” by Eli Young Band. Additionally, Kyle produced four No. 1 singles for artist Lee Brice: “Hard To Love,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “Drinking Class” and “Rumor.”

Taking Things to the Next Level

Kyle and Kellie got engaged in June 2010 and tied the knot shortly thereafter on New Year’s Day 2011. Their ceremony was held on an island in the Caribbean. Their initial plan to wed in Nashville was abandoned and the couple decided to elope.

“He makes me feel so, so great about myself. I feel so beautiful when I’m with him,” Kellie said at the time. “He always tells me he likes me better with no makeup on and sweatpants. He makes me feel the most beautiful when I’m with him. As long as I’m healthy, then he is fine with whatever I wear.”

Singing His Praises

Kellie had nothing but glowing reviews of her husband, opening up about him in 2015. “He is so good at what he does,” the American Idol alum said of Kyle. “The music he’s produced for Lee Brice is all over the radio! I’m so excited to be in the studio again recording a new album, and working with Kyle has been amazing. He has watched me perform for years, so it was great to have a front row seat as an artist and see him in his element.”

Gone Too Soon

Kyle tragically died by suicide on February 17, 2023. Nashville Metropolitan Police Department responded to a call Kellie’s home due to reports of an apparent suicide after a man shot himself.

“Nashville’s Department of Emergency Communications received a 911 call at 1:21 p.m. Friday from a home on Sneed Road in the police department’s West Precinct. 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,” read a statement from Nashville police. “His death is being investigated as an apparent suicide. Mr. Jacobs’ wife, Kellie Pickler, reported that she awoke a short time earlier, did not see her husband, and began looking for him. After she and her personal assistant were unable to open the door to the upstairs bedroom/office, the assistant telephoned 911.”

Breaking Her Silence

Six months after her husband’s tragic death, Kellie spoke out about the heartbreaking path she’s walked since. “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,’” Kellie said in August. “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.”