Kellie Pickler Asks Judge to Seal Deposition Video in Estate Dispute With Late Husband’s Parents.
Kellie Pickler is set to be questioned under oath by the parents of her late husband, Kyle Jacobs, as their legal dispute over his estate intensifies, according to recent reports. Court documents reveal that Kyle’s parents, Reed and Sharon Jacobs, have informed Kellie, 38, of their intention to depose her in connection with a recent petition she filed.
In response, Kellie hurried to court just days before the deposition was scheduled, expressing concerns that her in-laws were unwilling to agree to a protective order that would keep the transcript and video of her deposition confidential. Kellie was worried that the transcript might be shared with individuals not involved in the case. During a hearing, the court ruled that her deposition would proceed as planned. However, the judge did issue a temporary protective order, preventing both parties from sharing the transcript or video of Kellie’s deposition until further notice from the court.
The legal battle continues. The former American Idol contestant has filed a case seeking a judicial determination on who is entitled to certain belongings left by Kyle. Kellie and Kyle began their relationship in 2008 and were married in 2011. Kyle passed away in February 2023 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 49.
Kellie chose not to take on the role of administrator for Kyle’s estate. Reed and Sharon were subsequently appointed as co-administrators. In her latest petition, Kellie informed the court that a “dispute has arisen amongst the parties regarding certain personal property allegedly in [Kyle’s] possession prior to his death.” The country music star mentioned that Reed and Sharon had sent her a document labeled ‘List of Assets.’
Kellie mentioned that her in-laws insisted she present the property listed in the subpoena. Kellie’s attorney stated, “The List of Assets contains items that [Kellie] either does not possess or for which ownership and possession are contested.”
Reed and Sharon’s list features Kyle’s vast collection of firearms, swords, luxury watches, musical instruments, baseball cards, and even a Steinway Grand Model M piano.
Additionally, Reed and Sharon requested Kyle’s work laptop, iPhone, and hard drives. Kellie also claimed that Reed and Sharon entered her home and took items belonging to Kyle after his passing. She noted that her in-laws have not yet provided her with a list of the items they removed that day. The entertainer requested the court to consider both perspectives and decide who rightfully owns each item. In response to the petition, Reed and Sharon accused Kellie of violating the subpoena issued in the probate case. They also refuted Kellie’s assertion that she was unaware of the property’s location or that she disputed the rightful ownership of the items.
A lawyer representing Reed and Sharon stated, “[Kellie] and her legal team have given inconsistent details about where the items are located and who rightfully owns them. As mentioned earlier, they have acknowledged that [Kellie] currently possesses several of [Kyle’s] belongings.”
Concerning their visit to Kellie’s residence, Reed and Sharon claimed that Kellie had extended an invitation to them. They mentioned that she had set aside certain items for them to collect. Kyle’s parents explained that they didn’t compile a list of items because Kellie was fully aware of what they were taking, as she had specifically asked them to come over and had organized the items in a designated spot for them.
In their legal documents, Kyle’s parents referenced the prenup between Kyle and Kellie, which outlined the ownership of their assets. Kyle passed away in the Tennessee home he shared with Kellie.
At the time, the singer was present but in a different room. The autopsy indicated that Kyle had no drugs in his system, but he had a history of “pseudoseizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, elevated liver enzymes, and chronic alcohol use.” Kyle was a talented songwriter who collaborated with renowned artists like Garth Brooks, Trace Adkins, Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, and many others. The legal battle between Kellie Pickler and her late husband Kyle Jacobs’ parents underscores the challenges families face when disputes arise over a loved one’s estate.
With emotions running high, the case highlights the importance of clear estate planning and communication. As the court navigates complex issues like contested assets and confidentiality, the outcome will hinge on evidence, legal arguments, and potentially the terms of a prenuptial agreement. For now, the temporary protective order offers Kellie some reassurance, but the ongoing conflict reflects the deep personal and legal complexities involved when family, grief, and inheritance intertwine.
