Kellie Pickler is set to return to the stage for the first time since the tragic death of her husband, Nashville songwriter Kyle Jacobs, who died in February of 2023.
Kellie Pickler Is Set To Return To The Stage In April 2024 To Honor Patsy Cline
The American Idol alum will take to the Ryman Auditorium stage on April 22 for a special concert, honoring late country music icon Patsy Cline, dubbed Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline.
In addition to Pickler, several other artists will also pay tribute to Cline at the star-studded event, including Ashley McBryde, Beverly D’Angelo, Crystal Gayle, Dailey & Vincent, Grace Potter, Home Free, Kristin Chenoweth, Mickey Guyton, Mandy Barnett, Natalie Grant, Rita Wilson, Tanya Tucker, Pam Tillis, Wynonna Judd and Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Additional artists are set to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the show are available now HERE.
The Ryman Auditorium unveiled that Kellie Pickler was added to the all-star lineup in a social media post on Monday, March 18. According to the Ryman Auditorium’s official website, the event will “transport you through time, celebrating the life and music of one of country music’s most iconic voices through intimate stories, reflections and memories of those who knew her, and a line-up of all-star performances. Featuring a lineup of acclaimed artists, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans old and new.”
📣 NEW ARTISTS ADDED TO THE LINEUP 📣 @TheCrystalGayle, @DaileyVincent, @gracepotter, @kelliepickler, and @officialbenatar & @giraldo_neil will join "Walkin' After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline" at the Ryman on April 22!
— Ryman Auditorium (@theryman) March 18, 2024
Tickets on sale now: https://t.co/pGniZqoIjV ✨ pic.twitter.com/s70RZOQh8l
She Has Previously Credited Patsy Cline As Her Musical Hero
Pickler’s appearance at the event comes as no surprise, as she has previously recognized Patsy Cline as one of her musical heroes and biggest influences. The former SiriusXM’s The Highway host even
During an interview with Rolling Stone, which took place in June of 2014, Kellie Pickler credited Patsy Cline as one of the 11 people that have changed her life.
“I love Patsy’s voice. And ‘I Fall to Pieces’ is one of my favorite songs,” she told the outlet at the time. “Most everything was predominantly country in our home. I really wasn’t educated on a lot outside of traditional country music until I did American Idol and had to sing Rod Stewart songs or a Queen song, which I knew. Everybody knows Queen.”
Kellie Pickler also performed a cover of Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” during her stint on Season 5 of American Idol in 2006.
First Public Appearance Since Passing Of Her Husband
Pickler’s appearance at the Patsy Cline tribute concert will mark her first public show since the passing of her husband, critically acclaimed Nashville songwriter Kyle Jacobs. Following her husband’s death, Pickler has remained out of the spotlight.
The news of her first public concert comes seven months after Pickler broke her silence on Jacobs’ death with an exclusive statement with PEOPLE. In the statement, shared on August 17, 2023, Pickler graciously thanked fans for their support during what she called “the darkest time in my life.”
“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 continued 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. 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’s Husband, Kyle Jacobs, Died In February of 2023
The “Best Days of Your Life” singer released the statement nearly six months after her husband passed away on February 17, 2023. Kyle Jacobs was 49 years old at the time of his death. Kyle Jacobs was a producer and a sought after songwriter that has written songs for dozens of country superstars, including Trace Adkins, Jo Dee Messina, Craig Morgan, Tim McGraw, Kellie Pickler (his wife), Clay Walker, Kelly Clarkson, Scotty McCreery, and many others.
Prior to his passing, Kellie Pickler exited her role as an on-air host on SiriusXM’s The Highway. According to several SiriusXM listeners, Buzz Brainard confirmed that Pickler would be taking some time away from her midday show in mid-February of 2023. SiriusXM later confirmed that Pickler had fulfilled her current contract.
