Kellie Pickler Iraq Honeymoon for Good Cause
"American Idol" alum Kelli Pickler has opened up about why she spent her honeymoon in the Middle East.
The country music singer married Kyle Jacobs after deciding to elope instead of planning a formal wedding and coordinating their schedules. The couple wed Jan. 1 2011 on a Caribbean island.
Just days after her wedding, Pickler and her husband embarked on a trip to Iraq. Since Pickler had already booked a tour with the USO to entertain U.S. troops overseas, she took the stage shortly after they arrived.
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"It was so romantic," Pickler joked to Parade magazine about the honeymoon. "No, it was just that I had already committed to going over there and I wasn't going to cancel because that wouldn't have been right."
When asked how her husband reacted to sharing his new bride with hundreds of soldiers during their honeymoon, Pickler explained that he enjoyed it.
"Kyle loved it," Pickler divulged. "It was such a great experience for him to be a part of. It's not every day that you get to be a part of something so big and special."
The 25-year-old singer is a strong supporter of the United Service Organization, a non-profit group that provides morale and recreational services to members of the U.S. military.
"Out of everything that I've ever been able to be a part of, the USO is the one that I'm most proud of and honored to be able to work with," said Pickler. "What they're doing for our military is so great."
After appearing on season five of "American Idol," Pickler released her first single, "Red High Heels," and her debut album, Small Town Girl shortly followed. Following the success of her first album, the singer has since released two others, including 100 Proof, which was released in January.
Pickler is currently involved in Ram Trucks' "Road to the Ram Jam," a country music sweepstakes where fans have the opportunity to win an invitation to a concert as well as a chance to meet the star performers at the end of the year.
All proceeds from Pickler's participation in "Road to Ram Jam" benefit the USO. To enter the sweepstakes, visit ramtrucks.com/en/road_to_ram_jam/.
