According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, a 911 call was received at 1:21 p.m. on Friday from the couple’s home on Sneed Road.
Upon arrival, the fire department found Kyle Jacobs dead in an upstairs bedroom/office from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“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,” according to a statement from the MNPD.
Jacobs and Pickler married in 2011 after two and a half years of dating. Pickler finished in sixth place on “American Idol” in 2010, and went on to release four albums.
During his career as a songwriter, Jacobs co-wrote Garth Brooks’ No. 1 song “More Than a Memory” as well as Tim McGraw’s “Still.”
He also produced four No. 1 country airplay singles for Lee Brice — “Hard to Love,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “Drinking Class,” and “Rumor” — in addition to collaborating with Pickler, Kelly Clarkson, Scotty McCreery, and Darius Rucker.
In 2015, they starred in a Country Music Television reality show about their relationship, titled “I Love Kellie Pickler.”
Pickler’s representative said in a statement, “Kelly is devastated. She is in disbelief and saddened by the news. She kindly asks for privacy for her and her family during this difficult time.”
In his final Instagram post shared the day before his death, Jacobs celebrated a career win and shared a photo that announced Lee Brice’s Hey World becoming certified platinum.
“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!!!” he captioned the special moment.
Jacobs relocated from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Nashville in 2000, according to Music City Hitmakers. He notably penned Garth Brooks’ 2007 hit “More Than Memory and Tim McGraw’s “Still.”
Throughout his career, Jacobs won CMA and ACM awards and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Pickler and Jacobs wed in a surprise ceremony on Jan. 1, 2011. The couple, who had been dating since 2008, got engaged on June 15, 2010, when Jacobs proposed on a Florida beach.
“It was the most spiritual moment.” Pickler said of the proposal. “We would’ve gotten married that night had there been a preacher walking by!” Days after getting married, Pickler tweeted, “Private Island. Caribbean. Cigar in one hand, Rum in the other. Someone just called me ‘Mrs. Jacobs.’….sounds nice :)”
The news of Jacobs’ death shocked Pickler’s fans, who took to social media to express their condolences.
Jacobs was known for his talent as a songwriter and producer, having worked with some of the biggest names in country music.
His death is a tragic loss for the industry and for those who knew him personally.
The cause of his suicide is not yet known, but it is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of mental health and seeking help when needed.
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