At the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on April 7, a poignant tribute to Toby Keith took center stage.
Country music lost one of its brightest stars when Toby Keith passed away from cancer on Feb. 5 at 62. With 20 No. 1 hits on both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, Keith left an indelible mark on the genre over his three-decade career, known for his uncompromising nature and occasional controversies.
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At the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on April 7, a poignant tribute to Keith took center stage. Led by his longtime friends Brooks & Dunn and Sammy Hagar, along with mentee Lainey Wilson and Keith’s loyal backing band, the tribute honored his legacy.
Baseball icon Roger Clemens, highlighting Keith’s resilience during his battle with cancer, introduced the performance, praising Keith as a “true friend and patriot” who maintained his humor and wit throughout his illness.
Brooks & Dunn kicked off the tribute with a spirited rendition of Keith’s 1993 breakout hit, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm. Hagar followed with a high-energy performance of Keith’s 2003 hit, “I Love This Bar,” paying homage to the singer’s iconic restaurant chain.
Lukas Nelson and Riley Green introduced Wilson, who closed the tribute with a heartfelt rendition of “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” emotionally touching Keith’s family in attendance.
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As the performance concluded, Clemens led the audience in a tearful toast to Toby Keith, raising a Red Solo Cup in homage to the country legend, echoing Keith’s iconic lyrics: “Whisky for my men and beer for my horses!”