Kellie Pickler returned to the stage for the first time since her late husband Kyle Jacobs’ death on Monday night (April 22), and she honored his legacy by singing a song that they wrote together, “The Woman I Am.”

Pickler hit the stage at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium as part of the lineup for Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline.

In a video posted by Music Mayhem, Pickler admits she is “incredibly nervous” at being back on stage. She tells the crowd that the last time she’d been at the Ryman was during a date night with Jacobs.

“And I know he is here with us tonight,” she adds before launching into “The Woman I Am,” which served as the title song from her fourth solo album in 2013.

@musicmayhemmagazine.com #KelliePickler returned to the stage to honor late country music icon #PatsyCline with a special performance of “The Woman I Am,” a song she co-wrote with her late husband, Kyle Jacobs. @Kellie Pickler ♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

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 also took part in the Cline tribute, which also featured a special appearance from First Lady Jill Biden.

The appearance was Pickler’s first public performance since her 49-year-old songwriter and producer husband died by suicide at their Nashville home on Feb. 17, 2023. According to an analysis Taste of Country obtained from the Davidson Country Medical Examiner, Kyle Jacobs died from a self-inflicted shotgun wound. His toxicology results revealed no drugs in his system at the time of his death.

Pickler maintained public silence for months before issuing a statement on Aug. 17, 2024:

“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,” she told People. “I have chosen to heed his advice.”

She added:

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 is currently selling the Nashville estate that she shared with her late husband.