It's no secret that Kellie Pickler is a strong advocate for the early detection of breast cancer, and after news broke on Tuesday (May 14) that Angelina Jolie had undergone a double mastectomy, the country star and 'Dancing With the Stars' contestant saluted the actress for going public with her experience.

"I think it's amazing that she's come forward and talked about this because there's so many women that need to hear this and need to make sure that they're getting their check-ups," Pickler tells E! Online, adding, "Early detection is the key."

Jolie decided to undergo the drastic procedure after doctors told her she had an 87% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% chance of having ovarian cancer in her lifetime. Pickler famously shaved her head last September to show her support for her friend Summer Holt Miller, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and just about to begin chemotherapy.

"Summer, my friend that had breast cancer, she had a double mastectomy as well, so it was tough," Pickler furthers. "But like I said, early detection is the key. I applaud Ms. Jolie for coming forward because I think it's going to shine a light on a very important issue."

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