Kellie Pickler has successfully blocked a subpoena from her in-laws as the bitter legal fight over her late husband Kyle Jacobs’ estate continues to escalate two years after his death.
Kyle — a veteran country songwriter — died by suicide in February 2023 at age 49, nearly 12 years after he and Pickler, now 39, tied the knot.
Since his passing, Pickler and Kyle’s parents, Reed and Sharon Jacobs, have been locked in a dispute over personal property they say belonged to him before his death.
Pickler filed a petition challenging the pair, who oversee Kyle’s estate after she declined the role of administrator.
The feud largely centers on a ‘List of Assets’ compiled by Reed and Sharon — a detailed inventory of items they attempted to obtain through a subpoena.
But on Tuesday, a Tennessee judge sided with Pickler and quashed the subpoena, calling it ‘unusual on its face,’ according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly.
Kellie Pickler has successfully blocked a subpoena from her in-laws as the bitter legal fight over her late husband Kyle Jacobs’ estate continues to escalate two years after his death; (Pickler in 2019)
Kyle — a veteran country songwriter — died by suicide in February 2023 at age 49, nearly 12 years after he and Pickler, now 39, tied the knot; (Pickler and Jacobs in 2016)
‘They are not papers for inspection or copying that can be easily supplied to counsel or transported to the location listed in the subpoena,’ the order stated. ‘Rather, they are numerous and, in some instances, large/heavy items of tangible personal property.’
Pickler also raised concerns that transporting certain firearms listed among the requested items could be illegal.
‘The court is unclear about [Reed and Sharon’s] expectations regarding the subpoena,’ the order continued.
‘It appears that [Reed and Sharon] may have expected that issuing the subpoena would cause [Pickler] to simply turn the requested items over to them. Or, in the alternative, they may have simply expected to be given the opportunity to inspect or make an inventory of the items.’
Because Reed and Sharon have not filed any complaint or petition against Pickler, the judge ruled they lacked authority to issue the subpoena in the estate case.
However, the ruling noted they may attempt to use one in a separate action stemming from Pickler’s petition against them.
Late last year, it was revealed that Pickler and the Jacobses were already embroiled in a legal dispute over Jacobs’ personal property.
Pickler’s petition claimed that Reed and Sharon removed items from her home after their son’s death without providing a list of what was taken.
But on Tuesday, a Tennessee judge sided with Pickler and quashed the subpoena, calling it ‘unusual on its face’; (pictured in 2017)
She asked the court to compel them to identify the items.
Among the belongings listed by Reed and Sharon are Jacobs’ gun collection — including three rifles, seven pistols, a shotgun, a silencer, and a gun safe — as well as watches, jewelry, a baseball card collection, musical instruments, and personal devices such as his work laptop and iPhone.
Pickler’s attorney argued that some items are not in her possession or have disputed ownership.
Reed and Sharon dispute Pickler’s account, insisting she is violating a subpoena requiring the return of estate property.
They claimed that their visit to Pickler’s home was done with her consent and at the invitation of her and her counsel, arguing no itemized list was needed because the belongings had already been set aside for them.
The couple’s prenuptial agreement, which outlines the division of property, has also become a point of contention.
Reed and Sharon have requested that Pickler’s petition be dismissed based on the terms of the agreement.
Pickler was granted a protective order preventing the public release of her deposition transcript or video.
American Idol contestants (L-R) Pickler, Mandisa and Melissa McGhee perform onstage during the American Idol Season 5 Finale on May 24, 2006
Her lawyers argued such disclosure would cause undue embarrassment and burden.
The Jacobses objected, claiming the court did not justify the ruling — particularly its reference to avoiding ’embarrassment.’
In June 2024, Pickler sold the home she shared with Jacobs, finalizing the sale for $2.3 million after initially listing the property for nearly $3 million.
The 4,875-square-foot Tudor-style home — where Jacobs died — had been purchased by Pickler for $1.43 million in 2010.
Pickler broke her silence on Jacobs’ death in August 2023, telling People: ‘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.’ I have chosen to heed this advice.
‘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…’
