Kellie Dawn Pickler, born on June 28, 1986, in Albemarle, North Carolina, is an American country music singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. This article will highlight her life and career.
Early Life
Pickler’s parents separated the day after her second birthday, and when she was 12 years old, she was returned to her grandparents by the court. She grew up in poverty and has talked about the hardship that she faced, including living in trailers and the physical and emotional abuse she faced from her mother. Pickler cites her grandfather, Clyde Raymond Pickler Sr., and her grandmother, Faye Pickler, as her major influences. Her grandparents raised her to adulthood as her father was absent from her life.
Career Beginnings
Pickler made an appearance on the WSOC-TV’s Gimme the Mike! Charlotte contest in 2005, finishing in second place. Her appearance on American Idol’s fifth season in 2006 marked her rise to fame, finishing in sixth place. She signed to 19 Recordings and BNA Records as a recording artist the same year. Her debut album, Small Town Girl, was released in 2006 and has sold over 900,000 copies to date. The album was certified gold by the RIAA, with three of its singles, “Red High Heels,” “I Wonder,” and “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind,” charting on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Pickler’s second self-titled album, released in 2008, produced four singles: “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” “Best Days of Your Life,” “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You,” and “Makin’ Me Fall in Love Again.” She co-wrote “Best Days of Your Life” with Taylor Swift. The album did well, with the single “Best Days of Your Life” reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Dancing with the Stars and Beyond
In May 2013, Pickler and her partner Derek Hough won the 16th season of Dancing with the Stars. She was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2016. She has also made appearances on other television shows, including 90210 and I Love Kellie Pickler, a reality show about her life with her husband, Kyle Jacobs.
Pickler has also hosted various television shows, including Redneck Island and Knock Knock Live. She co-hosted the nationally syndicated daytime TV talk show Pickler & Ben from 2017 to 2019 with comedian Ben Aaron.
Kellie Pickler’s Personal Life
In 2011, Pickler married Kyle Jacobs, a songwriter, producer, and guitarist. The couple was married until Kyle’s sudden death in 2023. Pickler has been open about her tough upbringing and has worked to advocate for organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the USO, and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Conclusion
Kellie Pickler has overcome a lot in her life, from poverty to emotional and physical abuse, to make a name for herself in the country music industry. She has enjoyed a successful career as a singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Pickler has used her platform to support various charitable organizations and has worked to raise awareness for issues like military families and cancer research. Her talent and resilience have made her a role model for many people, and she continues to inspire others with her music and advocacy work.