Kellie Pickler’s legal battle with her in-laws, Sharon Jacobs and Reed Jacobs, is continuing to escalate after the death of her husband, Kyle Jacobs, in 2023.
Following Kyle’s death, his parents were appointed as administrators of his estate after Pickler, 36, chose not to take on the role. Sharon and Reed have since been in a contentious battle with the singer over Kyle’s property. (Kyle died in February 2023 by suicide at age 49.)
“It is difficult to know how to respond once again to the latest vitriol in [Kellie’s court filing],” Sharon and Reed’s attorney wrote in their latest court filing, which was submitted on Monday, May 12, according to documents obtained by Us Weekly.
The lawyer noted that Sharon and Reed are “the proud parents of a son who grew into a highly successful, talent … songwriter … who tragically took his life at a young age,” claiming that his widow has made it difficult to get anything done since his passing.
After the Jacobs filed a petition in August 2024 asking the court to intervene in their attempts to get the rest of Kyle’s property from Pickler, the musician claimed there was a “dispute” over the property in question.
In response, Sharon and Reed’s attorney defended their desire to proceed in an efficient manner, writing in the Monday court filing, “To suggest that his parents’ actions here could be perceived as anything other than an effort to bring his sad chapter (the probate process) to a speedy close is shockingly callous and lacking in empathy.”
Kyle’s parents’ lawyer asked the court to take note of Pickler’s “continued invective in suggesting that [Reed and Sharon] (or any parent of a deceased child) would utilize the judicial process in such a way that serves only to prolong their suffering and anguish.”
The attorney claimed, “[Kellie] has taken what should have been a simple matter and turned it into a highly personal crucible, painting herself as the tragic victim.”
Reed and Sharon’s legal struggles with Pickler began in May 2023 after she provided them with inventory of Kyle’s property but then allegedly stopped cooperating.
“Over the course of the ensuing twelve months, [Reed and Sharon] attempted informally to recover those items through discussions with [Kellie] and her counsel; those efforts; however, had limited success,” their lawyer explained in the new docs.
His parents alleged that Pickler “agreed to turn over several items but had not done so. In addition, as to at least some of the items, [Kellie] admitted having them but subsequently maintained she could not find them.”
Reed and Sharon later accused Pickler of not allowing them to enter the home she shared with their son prior to his death. They noted that Pickler did let them in once shortly after his death but has since forbidden them from coming on the premises. (Pickler was married to Kyle from 2011 until his death.)
“Instead, on two subsequent occasions, [Kellie] insisted she would have items of personal property moved to the home’s garage, for subsequent pickup by [Reed and Sharon] under supervision arranged by [Kellie],” their attorney claimed. “On the first such occasion, [Kellie] forbade [Sharon] from being on the property.”
Sharon and Reed explained that Pickler delivered additional items following the subpoena to do so but claimed they have since reached an “impasse” while attempting to get all of Kyle’s belongings.
Pickler, for her part, sold the home where she and Kyle lived in May 2024 for $2.3 million. The singer also recently asked the court to have Reed and Sharon removed as administrators of Kyle’s estate.
Pickler then asked the court to be named the sole heir and beneficiary of Kyle’s estate, while Reed and Sharon have argued they should remain as administrators. The court has yet to rule on the case.
Us Weekly has reached out to Pickler for comment on the latest accusations from Sharon and Reed.
