Kellie Pickler slammed as 'callous' by in-laws amid legal battle after husband's death
The trio have been embroiled in a battle over the late singer's property ever since he died by suicide at age 49 in February 2023.
'It is difficult to know how to respond once again to the latest vitriol in [Kellie's court filing],' the couple's attorney wrote in a court filing on Monday, May 12, per documents reviewed by Us Weekly.
In the wake of Kyle's death his parents were made administrators of his estate after Pickler declined the role. The lawyer claimed the 38-year-old widow has made it a challenge to get anything done since his passing.
The Jacobs filed a petition in August 2024 asking the court to intervene as they tried to get Kyle's remaining property from Pickler, with the former American Idol contestant claiming there was a 'dispute' over the property in question.
In the May 2025 filing, the Jacobs' attorney wrote, '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.'
Furthermore, the lawyer asked the court to acknowledge Pickler's 'continued invective in suggesting that [Reed and Sharon] would utilize the judicial process in such a way that serves only to prolong their suffering and anguish.'
It was also stated, '[Kellie] has taken what should have been a simple matter and turned it into a highly personal crucible, painting herself as the tragic victim.'
In March 2025 Kellie's in-laws issued a subpoena to Harpeth Memorial Gardens Funeral Home & Cremation Center in order to gain more information on his funeral and cremation.
They also requested that the funeral home provide details regarding 'what items, if any, were cremated' with their late son as well as 'documents pertaining to the services provided on behalf of Kyle.'
However, they claimed the company neither comply nor objected to the subpoena.
The Jacobs family's conflict with Pickler started in May 2023 after she turned over 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 latest documents.
Sharon and Reed also said 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.'
They later accused Pickler of forbidding them to enter the home she shared with their son prior to his death, noting that she let them in once after his death but subsequently kept them from coming on the premises.
'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 shared. 'On the first such occasion, [Kellie] forbade [Sharon] from being on the property.'
Sharon and Reed said that Pickler provided additional items after the subpoena was issued, but added that they have since come to an 'impasse.'
In May 2024 Pickler sold the marital home she and Kyle shared for $2.3 million.
And she recently requested that Reed and Sharon be removed as administrators of Kyle's estate.
Additionally, she asked to be named the sole heir and beneficiary of Kyle's estate by the court, although Sharon and Reed wish to remain administrators.
The court has yet to rule on the case.
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