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Lee Brice shared a heartbreaking tribute to Kyle Jacobs, a Nashville songwriter and musician known for writing beloved songs by powerhouse artists over the years, including Brice.
Jacobs died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his Nashville-area home on Friday, February 17. He was 49. Jacobs was married to Kellie Pickler, 36, a country artist who rose to fame after competing on American Idol in 2006. The couple married in 2011, and starred together in the CMT show I Love Pickler, a three-season reality series that premiered in 2015.
Days after losing Jacobs, Brice shared a heartbreaking statement:
“These past few days have truly been some of the hardest of my life. At times, I feel lost and buried under this deep sadness. Other times, I sit and remember all the times with Kyle that bring me comfort and make me smile. He was, without a doubt, one of the best people anyone could ever hope to have in their corner…I am eternally grateful for having him in mine. I’ll keep Kellie, his family and everyone who was touched by him close to my heart. I’ll miss you til we meet again..I love you, brother.”
Brice is one of many people in the country music community to pay tribute to Jacobs and offer support to Pickler. The iconic Bluebird Cafe, the Academy of Country Music and others posted tributes, in addition to those from former Idol judge Paula Abdul, country artist Russell Dickerson and more. Many, including Brett Young, shared important messages as they mourned Jacobs’ loss: “You matter. You are important. You are loved. You are not alone.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in emotional distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.