Country music star Kellie Pickler has achieved a significant legal victory in her ongoing dispute with her late husband’s parents. A Tennessee court sided with Pickler, rejecting a subpoena issued by Reed and Sharon Jacobs, her in-laws. Us Weekly exclusively reported the development.
The ruling came on Tuesday, November 25, from the judge presiding over the bitter court battle. The dispute centers on the estate of Kyle Jacobs, Pickler’s husband.
Kyle Jacobs, a successful country music songwriter, died by suicide in February 2023 at age 49. Pickler, 39, married Kyle in 2011.
The judge’s recent order declared the subpoena issued by Reed and Sharon Jacobs to be “unusual at first glance.” The court specifically noted that the documentation was completed incorrectly.
The subpoena also demanded that Pickler produce a list of tangible items.
“These are not documents for inspection or copying that could be easily delivered to counsel or transported to the location indicated in the subpoena,” the judge stated. “Rather, they are numerous and, in some cases, large or heavy tangible personal objects.”
The order further indicated that Pickler raised concerns that transporting some of the requested firearms might even be illegal. The court expressed confusion regarding the in-laws’ expectations for the subpoena, whether they anticipated the items to be delivered or merely inspected.
The court determined that Reed and Sharon issued the subpoenas as part of managing Kyle’s estate. However, the judge noted that they have not filed a lawsuit or petition against Pickler. This means they cannot lawfully issue such a subpoena.
The order concluded that the subpoena was “void and unenforceable in this estate administration case.” The judge clarified that Reed and Sharon could issue a subpoena within a separate legal process initiated by Pickler against them.
Reed and Sharon assumed management of Kyle’s estate after Pickler declined to act as administrator.
In 2024, Pickler filed a petition. She sought judicial intervention due to a dispute with Reed and Sharon over Kyle’s property.
The former American Idol contestant’s petition stated that “a dispute has arisen between the parties regarding certain personal property alleged to have been in [Kyle’s] possession prior to his demise.”
The subpoena demanded the delivery of a wide range of items. These included Kyle’s extensive gun collection, a gun safe, a Rolex watch, a Garmin watch, cufflinks, all rings except his wedding band, a 1957 Gibson J45 guitar, a McPherson KOA guitar, baseball card albums, school awards, an iPhone and other laptops, a Steinway Grand Model M piano, and various family photo albums.
Pickler’s attorney stated in court documents that some listed items are not in her possession. They also noted that disputes exist over the rightful ownership and possession of other items.
In response, an attorney for Reed and Sharon wrote that Pickler and her lawyer had provided “contradictory information.” They also claimed Pickler admitted to possessing several of Kyle’s assets.
Pickler’s lawyers have asked the court to name her as the sole beneficiary of Kyle’s estate. They want all assets awarded to her.
She also alleged that her former in-laws “may have already distributed items or assets to themselves (or others) or spent estate funds.” Pickler requested a complete accounting report on the distribution of Kyle’s assets.
In a separate filing, Reed and Sharon’s attorney expressed frustration. They stated it was difficult to respond to the latest “vitriol” in Pickler’s brief.
Reed and Sharon’s filing stated they are “the proud parents of a highly successful songwriter son… who tragically took his own life at a young age.” They added that suggesting their actions are anything other than an effort to quickly close this sad chapter is “insultingly insensitive and lacking in empathy.”
The legal battle remains ongoing.