Kyle Jacobs, the husband of American Idol alum, Kellie Pickler, has passed away. Jacobs was 49 when he was found deceased in his home.
Jacobs is a hit songwriter, credited with penning several of country music’s biggest hits, including Garth Brooks‘ “More Than A Memory,” Lee Brice‘s “Rumor,” “Still” by Tim McGraw and more. He also was an acclaimed producer, producing “Rumor,” as well as Brice’s “Hard to Love,” “Drinking Class,” “I Drive Your Truck” and more.
On February 15, Jacobs celebrated Brice’s Hey World album, which he co-produced, achieving platinum status.
Platinum?! SWEEEET!!! An amazing crew of incredibly talented peeps put this one together…Deeply honored to be a creative part of it…Thank you Jesus!!! @leebrice @curbwordmusicpub @curbrecords #countrymusic https://t.co/fOOM6Nud5z
— Kyle Jacobs (@kylecjacobs) February 16, 2023
Jacobs reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to a statement by the Metro Nashville Police Department, officers were called to the couple’s home on Friday afternoon, when neither Pickler nor her assistant were able to open the door to an upstairs bedroom, which was being used as an office.
“Mr. Jacobs’ wife, Kellie Pickler, reported that she awoke a short time earlier, did not see her husband and began looking for him,” the statement says in part. “After she and her personal assistant were unable to open the door to the upstairs bedroom/office, the assistant telephoned 911.”
Jacobs and Pickler wed on January 1, 2011. In addition to appearing on Idol, where she came in sixth place on Season 5, Pickler also competed on Season 16 of Dancing With the Stars, ultimately winning the Mirrorball trophy, alongside her partner, Derek Hough. The couple starred together in the CMT reality show, I Love Kellie Pickler, in 2015. Pickler currently is a host on SiriusXM‘s The Highway.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or visit 988lifeline.org.