Over a year after the tragic loss of her husband, Kyle Jacobs, Kellie Pickler made a heartfelt return to the stage. On a poignant Monday night at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, the 37-year-old singer performed “The Woman I Am,” a song co-written with Jacobs during their 12-year marriage. The occasion marked Pickler’s first public performance since her profound loss, making it an emotionally charged comeback.
Addressing the audience at the ‘Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline’ tribute show, Pickler expressed her nervousness and the special significance of the song and venue. “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,” she shared, visibly moved. Dressed elegantly in a black gown with silver accents, Pickler’s performance was met with a standing ovation, underscoring the strong support from her fans and the community.
Following her husband’s suicide in February 2023, Pickler took a six-month hiatus to grieve and reflect, a period during which she leaned on the advice once given by her late husband: “If you don’t know what to do, ‘do nothing, just be still.’” Her return to the stage not only symbolizes a step forward in her healing process but also a reconnection with her fans who have eagerly awaited her return to music.
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