Country star mourns shocking suicide death of best friend.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.
Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
or Text to 9-8-8
One of the things that sets country music apart from other formats is how personal and authentic it is. Maybe you’re one of the many country music fans who never thought they’d like “country” until they heard one song that brought them on board. Over the years I feel like Tim McGraw was the catalyst for bringing newbies to our side with songs like “Don’t Take the Girl,” and “Live Like You Were Dying.” Maybe you were turned on to country music after the terror attacks of 9/11 and you heard us play Alan Jackson’s emotionally raw “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning.”
Country music brings authenticity to the forefront.
I’m often which country stars are really nice and which ones aren’t, and I always say the stars are exactly as they present themselves to you in their music. If they’re not, they don’t make it in this format. We can see right through them. Take the social media accounts of the really big country artists like Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood. They’re regularly sharing photos of their families and giving you a glimpse inside the lives of the people who make the music we love. That’s real life.
Unfortunately, real life isn’t always birthday parties, family dinners, and pranks. All too often, real people experience hurt, pain, loss. When we, as country music fans go through something emotional, we always have a song we can play on repeat to help us cope through the pain. But what about when you’re an artist who is hurting? Where do they turn? It happened recently to one of my favorites …
Kyle Jacobs and his wife Kellie Pickler
Lee Brice recently lost a friend. A friend close enough to him that he calls him “brother.” And he lost him in the worst possible way; suicide. Kyle Jacobs wrote many songs you’ll recognize (videos below) and was the husband of country/reality star Kellie Pickler.
How do you deal? Lee and his record label Curb Records decided to put his new music on hold to give him a chance to grieve while honoring his “brother” and writing partner, Kyle. A few years ago, the two wrote a song called “Save the Roses.” While it was a beautiful, relatable song then, when you hear it today under these circumstances, it will add another tragic layer to these grievous circumstances. I give Lee so much credit for his openness and honesty.
Below you’ll see the letter Lee and his label sent to country radio stations all over the nation. We received it. We took it to heart. Because after all, that’s what country music is all about. Read the letter. Listen to the song “Save the Roses.” But, before you start, grab a box of tissues…
On a personal note ...
Whatever brought you to the table of country music, we’re glad you’re here because we are a community who cares. Today our hearts ache and our prayers go up for Kellie Pickler, Lee Brice as well as the other friends and family affected by the death of Kyle Jacobs. But I beg you to please trust that we care for you and your well being, as well.If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 or Text to 9-8-8
