Music Kellie Pickler breaks silence months after husband's death, thanks fans for love and support "As many of you have told me, you are all in my prayers," Pickler said in a statement. By Lester Fabian Brathwaite Lester Fabian Brathwaite Lester Fabian Brathwaite is a staff writer at Entertainment Weekly, where he covers breaking news, all things Real Housewives, and a rich cornucopia of popular culture. Formerly a senior editor at Out magazine, his work has appeared on NewNowNext, Queerty, Rolling Stone, and The New Yorker. He was also the first author signed to Phoebe Robinson's Tiny Reparations imprint. He met Oprah once. EW's editorial guidelines Published on August 17, 2023 07:21PM EDT Kellie Pickler is expressing gratitude to her family, friends, and fans during what she's calling the "darkest time in my life." Pickler's husband, songwriter Kyle Jacobs, died by suicide on Feb. 17. He was 49. "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, 37, said in a statement to PEOPLE on Thursday. "I have chosen to heed his advice." Kellie Pickler. Jerod Harris/Getty The American Idol alum continued: "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." An accomplished guitarist and pianist, Jacobs wrote for numerous country artists including Garth Brooks, Trace Adkins, Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, Scotty McCreery, and his wife. He also collaborated with Darius Rucker and Wynonna. Kyle Jacobs and Kellie Pickler in 2017. Taylor Hill/FilmMagic Pickler and Jacobs started dating in 2008, married in 2011, and did not share any children. From 2015 to 2017, the couple was featured on the CMT reality series I Love Kellie Pickler. The country star also announced she would be holding a memorial service for Jacobs, noting, "I am planning an intimate memorial for my husband, which will happen later this fall, that is what Kyle would have wanted." If you or someone you know is considering suicide, 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. Related content: Stars we've lost in 2023 Kellie Pickler on 'Feeling Tonight,' her new album, and what it's like to work with her husband