It was an emotional evening for Kellie Pickler. On Monday night, the 37-year-old country singer took to the stage at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, marking the first time she had returned to live singing since the tragic death of her husband, Kyle Jacobs, in February 2023.

As a part of the Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline tribute show, Pickler sang the song “The Woman I Am,” a song she co-wrote with Jacobs.

“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 admitted to the supportive crowd. “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.”

Assuring the crowd that she was “gonna do the best I can,” Pickler smiled before belting out the powerful ballad. Though visibly emotional, Pickler didn’t miss a note, earning herself a standing ovation after the performance.

On Feb. 17, 2023, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department told ET that Jacobs was found dead at the couple’s home in Nashville. He was 49.

Police told ET that, after being called to the home, they discovered Jacobs “deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in an upstairs bedroom/office.” Police added that “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,” police said. “After she and her personal assistant were unable to open the door to the upstairs bedroom/office, the assistant telephoned 911.”

Six months after Jacobs’ death, Pickler released a statement to People, breaking her silence on the loss.

“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 at the time. “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,” Pickler’s statement continued. “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.”

Pickler, an American Idol alum, and Jacobs tied the knot in 2011, and co-starred on I Love Kellie Pickler from 2015 to 2017. In addition, Jacobs was a songwriter, having penned tracks for stars including Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Kelly Clarkson.

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.

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