Remembering Country Music Icon Toby Keith
February 5th marked two years since country music icon Toby Keith passed away. The country singer died following a battle with stomach cancer at just 62 years old.
He first shared his diagnosis in 2021 and took a hiatus from performing to prioritize treatment and cherished moments with his loved ones. Since his death, Keith has been honored in a number of ways and remains one of the most influential country music legends of all time.
Earlier this year, Oklahoma State Senator Lisa Standridge (R-Norman) filed legislation intended to honor the life and legacy of Keith, a native of the “Sooner State.” Keith’s social media account also posted that he was being honored with the Special Directors’ Award from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum this year.
A number of stars have paid tribute to the late country music icon with both performances and personal reflections in his memory.
In 2022, Carrie Underwood, a longtime friend and fellow Oklahoman, performed “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and spoke of Keith’s lasting influence on her career. Blake Shelton also paid tribute, honoring Keith at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards.
Shortly following his passing, Jason Aldean delivered an acoustic version of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” at the 2024 ACM Awards. Iconic images of Toby were displayed above the stage, and audience members could be seen wiping tears from their eyes.
As the song progressed, Aldean was joined by a string quartet, creating a beautifully emotional moment. Keith’s wife and children were in attendance and were able to witness the heartfelt tribute to his legacy.
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Eric Church Honors Toby Keith
On the second anniversary of his death, Eric Church took the time to honor Keith, acknowledging the profound impact he had on his own career. The two had a long history together.
In 2011, Church got a life-changing call from Keith, inviting him to join the Locked and Loaded tour. Church has said that opportunity played a major role in shaping the trajectory of his career.
During the 2024 Toby Keith: American Icon tribute concert in Nashville, Church recounted that moment with emotion: “About 15 years ago, I was starting my career, and we were having a hard time getting anybody in country music to let us come play shows with ’em. And Toby Keith was the guy that called and said ‘Hey, why don’t you come play shows with me?'”
So it seems fitting that while performing in Omaha, Nebraska last week, Church paused during his Free the Machine Tour to pay tribute to his late friend.
“Two years ago, I lost one of my really good friends and mentors in this business,” he said.
Church then performed “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” the hit that would become Keith’s final single after it was re-released in 2023.
@carlakolpin Stunning! Eric Church performed Don’t Let The Old Man In on the anniversary of Toby’s passing. Goosies!! #ericchurch #tobykeith #dontlettheoldmanin #chief @Notorious CUB fan ♬ original sound – carlak