After Toby Keith Death
Family Honors Country Legend’s Legacy
Toby Keith family is continuing to honor his legacy two months after the country music star died at age 62. His children, Crystal Keith Shelley, Koval Roland, and Stelen Keith Koval, attended the 2024 CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas, on April 7th and expressed what the night meant to them in a new interview with Us Weekly.
Bittersweet Moment
Shelley shared, “It means a lot. It’s our first public appearance, a public outing, and so it’s very bittersweet. It’s going to be emotional. We’re doing our best to keep the tears in now and make it through this line of cameras.”
Tributes Pour In
Throughout the ceremony, several stars paid tribute to Keith, who passed away in February after his battle with stomach cancer. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed his hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” while Lainey Wilson covered his song “How Do You Like Me Now?” Additionally, Sammy Hagar performed Keith’s track “I Love This Bar.”
True Friend and Patriot
Roger Clemens shared a few words, saying, “It’s an honor to be here and celebrate the Big Dog Daddy, Toby Keith, a true friend, patriot, and great American.” Shelley and Crystal Steelen thanked the audience for “sharing your dad with all of us.”
Keith’s Lasting Impact
In our last interview with Toby Keith, he reflected on his career ahead of receiving the Country Icon Award at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards, expressing pride in his songwriting and performing career. He also opened up about his cancer battle, saying, “It’s a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days, and you’re up and down, up and down, but it’s always 0 to 60 and 60 to 0, but I feel good today.”
Night to Remember
With tributes from fellow artists and heartfelt words from his children, the 2024 CMT Music Awards served as a poignant reminder of Toby Keith’s lasting impact on country music and the lives he touched. His family’s rare red carpet-appearance was a bittersweet yet beautiful way to honor the legacy of a true icon.