Toby Keith Honored With Powerful Tribute Performance At 2024 CMT Music AwardsPublished Apr 7, 2024 By Miranda Raye
CBS
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The CMT Music Awards honored the late Toby Keith with a powerful tribute performance during its ceremony on Sunday (April 7).
Toby Keith died at the age of 62 on February 5, 2024. The “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer bravely battled stomach cancer for several years.
Keith’s last televised performance occurred during the People’s Choice Country Awards in September 2023. He delivered an unforgettable rendition of his reflective song “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”
Toby Keith, pictured here during his last televised performance at the People’s Choice Country Awards in September 2023. Photo Credit: Mickey Bernal / NBC via Getty Images
Keith received the Country Icon Award during that ceremony. It was one of many awards he earned throughout his legendary career.
Among his accolades were seven CMT Music Awards. Keith won the Video of the Year Award twice, first in 2003 for “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue.” He won again in 2003 for “American Soldier.”
Additionally, Keith hosted the CMT Music Awards twice. He first hosted in 2003 alongside Pamela Anderson. Then, he co-hosted the 2012 ceremony with actress Kristen Bell.
CMT Announces Plans For All-Star Tribute In Toby Keith’s Memory
On Thursday (April 4), CMT revealed its plans to pay tribute to Keith during the 2024 CMT Music Awards. The network also shared the all-star lineup for the tribute.
Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, Sammy Hagar, and Keith’s own backing band all signed up to participate. CMT also shared that Lukas Nelson and baseball star Roger Clemens would make “special appearances” during the tribute.
CMT did not reveal which songs the artists planned to perform. But fans knew they could expect a meaningful tribute no matter what.
Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, And Sammy Hagar Honor Toby Keith
Brooks & Dunn sang “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” Hagar performed “I Love this Bar,” and Wilson closed things out when she sang “How Do You Like Me Now?!” It was a high-spirited tribute, which was fitting considering the fact that Keith was always known for his fun and lively performances.
TVs placed behind the performers onstage played clips of Keith from his many famous music videos. It added an extra element to things, making sure Keith’s spirit was ever-present in every way during the tribute.
The tribute was made extra special because Toby’s three children were in attendance. His daughters Shelley and Krystal and his son, Stelen, made their first joint public appearance since his death to attend the ceremony. At one point during Brooks & Dunn’s performance, the camera cut to show Krystal crying in the crowd.
Loved every second of @sammyhagar's tribute performance of "I Love This Bar" in honor of @TobyKeith 🥃 #CMTAwards pic.twitter.com/EKG3w3IPry
— CMT (@CMT) April 8, 2024
Everyone ended the tribute by raising red solo cups in the air in a toast to Keith.
Check out the videos below to watch Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, and Sammy Hagar remember Toby Keith with their powerful tribute performance at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. It shows that his legacy will live on through the music he left behind…
