Friends and Family Honor Late Kyle Jacobs in Private Ceremony: He 'Was a Lover of Life'
Jacobs' wife Kellie Pickler spoke out for the first time since his death in a statement to PEOPLE in August
Friends and family of Kyle Jacobs — a songwriter, vocalist and husband to singer Kellie Pickler — gathered to honor his life after he died by suicide in February at age 49.
On Monday, hundreds of people gathered at Franklin First UMC in Franklin, Tennessee to pay their respects to the late musician.
"While this celebration was long in coming, it was necessary for us, his parents, to cope with the shock of his passing, and to work through adjusting to this life without our beloved son. Thus, Kyle’s Celebration of Life was created and presented in a thoughtful and thorough way to best honor how Kyle lived his life," his family wrote in a press release.
The statement continued, "Kyle was a Lover of Life! He loved his family and his friends, and he earnestly showed love and brought joy to countless others he did not even know. Remembrances continue to come to us daily. He was known for his genuine, humble spirit and an ability to touch another person’s life in a moment."
The celebration of life opened with reflections from Curb Records' Mike Curb. It also included special musical performances and moving stories told by friends, family, colleagues and military personnel. The celebration ended with Jacobs' song "You Are with Me."
"We would like to thank all of you who helped with the celebration, starting with the counsel, love, prayer and professionalism of our church family," his family continued. "Second, we wish to thank everyone who helped with putting this event together. The stories told, the songs sung, and the love shared were a testament to Kyle and to how he was able to draw people together in friendship, work, and fun!"
Per the recording of the celebration, Pickler, 37, did not appear to take part.
An autopsy report, which was obtained by PEOPLE in May, confirmed Jacobs' cause of death.
The toxicology results revealed that Jacobs had no drugs in his system at the time of death. He did, however, have a history of "pseudoseizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, elevated liver enzymes, and chronic alcohol use."
The Nashville Police Department previously confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that the Department of Emergency Communications was alerted to a home on Feb. 17, but arrived at the location to find Jacobs deceased.
The country singer and SiriusXM's The Highway host told authorities that she woke up shortly before but couldn't find Jacobs. Pickler and her personal assistant called the police after they couldn't open the door to a room in the house, according to the statement.
In August, Pickler broke her silence for the first time in a statement to PEOPLE.
Related: Autopsy Confirms Kellie Pickler's Husband Kyle Jacobs' Cause of Death
“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 said. “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,” the country star and radio host continued. “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.”
At the time, Pickler had also announced her plans for Jacobs’ memorial service. She added, “I am planning an intimate memorial for my husband, which will happen later this fall, that is what Kyle would have wanted.”
Pickler signed the statement, “Love & Blessings, Kellie.”
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
