Widowed country music star breaks her silence six months after songwriter husband dies

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Country music star Kellie Pickler, 37, has finally broken her silence six months after her husband of 12 years, songwriter Kyle Jacobs, died by suicide at 49 on Feb. 17, 2023.

On Aug. 17, the former "American Idol" contestant shared a statement with People magazine.

Keep reading to see how the star recently opened up…

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or in crisis, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support.

MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more fun celebrity & entertainment photo galleries and content

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"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 Pickler told People magazine in a statement marking her first public comments following the February 2023 death of her husband of 12 years, songwriter Kyle Jacobs. "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," Kellie 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."

Kellie also shared an update on a memorial service for Kyle …

MORE: Stars who are widows or widowers

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In an Aug. 17, 2023, statement to People magazine, country music singer Kellie Pickler announced plans to have a memorial service for her late spouse, songwriter Kyle Jacobs. "I am planning an intimate memorial for my husband, which will happen later this fall," she wrote, adding, "that is what Kyle would have wanted." She signed her statement, "Love & Blessings, Kellie."

Keep reading for more…

MORE: Stars we lost in 2023

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On Feb. 17, 2023, Kyle Jacobs — a songwriter who penned tunes for everyone from wife Kellie Pickler and stars like Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Kelly Clarkson to Wynonna Judd, Trace Adkins, Lee Brice, Clay Walker and others — died at 49 at his Tennessee home. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department told E! News, Variety and other outlets in a statement at the time that "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." Early reports suggested that Kyle passed away in a suspected suicide.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or in crisis, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support.

MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more fun celebrity & entertainment photo galleries and content

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On May 9, 2023 — nearly three months after songwriter Kyle Jacobs died — Taste of Country obtained a report from the Davidson County Medical Examiner confirming that toxicology tests revealed there were no drugs in his system when he died. "Adult white male with a history of pseudoseizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, elevated liver enzymes and chronic alcohol use suffered a self-inflicted shotgun wound," his autopsy report stated.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or in crisis, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support.

MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more celebrity & entertainment photo galleries and content 

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Kellie Pickler came to fame as a contestant on the fifth season of "American Idol" in 2006, finishing in sixth place. She and songwriter Kyle Jacobs eloped in Antigua on Jan. 1, 2011. They chronicled their life together on the CMT reality show "I Love Kellie Pickler," which aired from 2015 to 2017.