Toby Keith’s daughter, Krystal, took to the field during the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals game to honor her late father and the military by singing the National Anthem and also performing the halftime show.
Growing up with Toby absolutely loving the Steelers, Krystal shared that the experience was a “dream come true.”
“Every moment of sitting on my dad’s lap as a kid watching The Bus plow through defenders came rushing back when I stepped on Heinz field. I have proudly worn @steelers colors my entire life,” Krystal wrote.
The big game was also scheduled to be a part of the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative.
Toby passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62 after a three year battle with stomach cancer.
Krystal is the only one of Toby’s three children to pursue a career in music and performance. Her most well-known songs is “Daddy Dance With Me,” a wedding ballad that she first performed at her own wedding.
Soon after Toby’s death, Krystal wrote a touching post in honor of his life and legacy, promising that she would “forever honor him.”
The performance was an important moment for not only for Krystal and the Keith family, but Steelers fans alike as Toby was the first artist to sing the National Anthem at Heinz Field when it opened in 2001.
“Steelers dominated the @bengals then and they happened to also be playing the bengals again for yesterday’s game and they pulled off another victory! That makes us 2-0 as a family. The Keith/Steelers winning streak continues!,” Krystal wrote.
During the halftime performance, Krystal honored her late father with a beautiful rendition of “Don’t Let The Old Man In.”
“Don’t Let the Old Man In” is a song written and recorded by Toby Keith on his 2019 compilation album Greatest Hits: The Show Dog Years.
Krystal performed the hit flawlessly, wearing Toby’s old camoflauge shirt, with fans flooding the comment section in praise and remembrance of Toby.
“Beautiful. We all miss your dad so much. You did an amazing job. Toby would be so proud. ❤️,” one user said.
“This was such a beautiful performance. I love to hear her Dad’s music. As long as she keeps singing it, he and his music will be kept alive. I miss him so much. No one will ever be able to replace him. Toby RIP💔💔💔💔💔💔,” another said.
Watch Krystal Keith’s performance of “Don’t Let The Old Man In” below.