Exactly six months after Kellie Pickler's husband died, she issued a statement addressing the loss for the first time. 

"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,'" she told People. "I have chosen to heed his advice."

Pickler's husband, songwriter and producer Kyle Jacobs, died by suicide in their home on Feb. 17. He was 49 years old. 

Metro Nashville Police Department Spokesperson Don Aaron issued a statement explaining Pickler reported that she woke up, did not see her husband and began looking for him. After she and her personal assistant were unable to open the door to the upstairs bedroom/office, the assistant telephoned 911.

While Pickler has publicly remained silent on her loss since February, she thanked her 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," she said. "As many of you have told me, you are all in my prayers."

When Jacob's toxicology results came in, he had no drugs in his system when it died. However, it revealed he did have a history of pseudoseizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, elevated liver enzymes, and chronic alcohol use.

Pickler said she's planning to have an intimate memorial service for Jacobs later in the fall, which is what she said he would have wanted. 

Pickler signed the People statement, "Love & Blessings, Kellie."

Jacobs was a beloved and popular fixture in the Nashville music community. He co-wrote Garth Brooks' "More Than A Memory," which debuted at No. 1 and is the fastest-rising single in country music history. Jacobs also co-wrote Top 10 singles "Still" by Tim McGraw and "Dust" by Eli Young Band. In addition, Jacobs produced four No. 1 singles for Lee Brice, "Hard To Love," "I Drive Your Truck," "Drinking Class" and "Rumor," Jacobs' most recent chart-topper as a songwriter.

The couple, who had been dating since 2008, got engaged on June 15, 2010, when Jacobs proposed on a Florida beach. Pickler and Jacobs were married in a surprise ceremony on Jan. 1, 2011.