On Thursday (August 17), Kellie Pickler shared an exclusive statement with PEOPLE regarding the death of her husband, Kyle Jacobs – who died by suicide on February 17. The statement comes on the six-month anniversary of his death and is the first time the singer-songwriter has broken her silence.
“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,” the country music star wrote in the statement.
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She also spoke about one of the ‘most beautiful lessons’ her husband taught her in their more than 15 years together. “In a moment of a crisis, if you don’t know what to do, ‘do nothing, just be still,’” she said of his lesson. In an effort to honor a life that was taken far too soon, she has ‘chosen to heed his advice.’
Kellie Pickler and Kyle Jacobs started dating in early-2008 and their love blossomed quickly. The couple got engaged on June 15, 2010 and tied the knot on January 1, 2011 in a small, intimate ceremony in the Caribbean. While the two country music stars never had kids, they were proud and devoted pet parents.
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In 2015, Pickler and Jacobs released a single titled ‘Feeling Tonight.’ Pickler spoke highly of the song and praised their love for one another. “I think of Kyle when I sing this song and the love we share. We’ve been married four years and together more than seven, but we’re still like newlyweds,” she told PEOPLE.
Unfortunately, their relationship took an unexpected turn for the worse on February 17. When Pickler woke up that morning, her husband was nowhere to be found. She ended up calling the Nashville Police Department when she (along with her assistant) were unable to open a door inside the couple’s home.
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When the authorities arrived, they forced the door open and found Jacobs deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The autopsy report was released in May and confirmed what we all had feared – Jacobs committed suicide. It was a somber day for the entire country music community.
Kellie Pickler Announces Plans for an Intimate Memorial Service
In her exclusive statement on Thursday (August 17), Kellie Pickler announced her plans to throw an intimate memorial service for her husband – which she says will happen ‘later this fall’ and claimed that it’s ‘what Kyle would have wanted.’ She signed off on the statement with a – “Love & Blessings, Kellie.”
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50,000 people die by suicide every year and more than 125 suicides occur every day in the US alone. The rate of suicide is highest in middle-aged white men, compared to other demographics – Kyle Jacobs was 49 at the time of his death.
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While most people are reluctant to seek help when their mental health starts to decline, it’s important that you check in with your loved ones often and understand the many signs of depression and other mental health issues. Sometimes all we need is unconditional love and support from those we love most.
And for those going through a difficult time right now, two of the greatest lessons in life are learning to accept help when it’s offered and knowing when to ask for help when it’s needed. If you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Your life matters.