Jason Aldean Honors Toby Keith with Emotional Performance at 2024 ACM Awards

Jason Aldean Honors Toby Keith at ACM Awards 3 Months After His Death

Jason Aldean, Toby Keith. Getty Images (2)

At the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday, May 16, Jason Aldean honored the late Toby Keith.

Blake Shelton started off the tribute by sharing heartfelt words about the iconic singer, who passed away in February at the age of 62. Shelton, 47, described Keith as a devoted husband, a doting father, and a larger-than-life personality who never hesitated to speak his mind.

Aldean, who is 47 years old, then performed Keith's 1993 hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”. This song was Keith's first single and it topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Aldean played the guitar while singing the emotional song, with pictures of Keith performing throughout his career displayed in the background.

The audience joined in singing the chorus, and there were some people in the crowd who were visibly moved to tears as they honored the memory of the talented musician.

Aldean expressed his love for Toby after his performance, while host Reba McEntire mentioned, "Toby, we'll always remember you. It feels like you're here with us tonight."

59th Academy of Country Music Awards - Show

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Before the awards show, Aldean hinted about his tribute to Keith. He expressed his excitement and gratitude for being able to honor his friend, Toby Keith, with a special performance of ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’ at the ACM Awards. Aldean invited fans to join him in celebrating Keith's legacy and the impact he made on country music.

Keith passed away in February after a brave battle with stomach cancer. A statement shared on social media announced, “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”

In April, a tribute to Keith was held at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. Lainey Wilson, Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, and others performed a medley of his hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “I Love This Bar,” and “How Do You Like Me Now?” Keith's children, Shelley Covel Rowland, Krystal Keith, and Stelen Keith Covel, were present at the event to honor their father. He shared them with his wife of almost 40 years, Tricia Lucus.

"It means a lot. It's our first time making a public appearance, so it's very bittersweet," Shelley shared exclusively with We on the red carpet at the CMT Awards. "We're trying to hold back the tears and get through all these cameras."

Krystal also expressed the significance of the CMT Awards for their family. "We used to attend this award show often, always together. This time, it's our first time here without him, but we feel his presence as he's being honored," she explained. "We're looking forward to hearing his music, even though he's not the one performing it. We're truly grateful that Brooks & Dunn, Sammy, and Lainey are here to pay tribute to him. It's a special moment for us."

Krystal shared her family's reaction to discovering Toby's influence in the country music world after his passing. She expressed how they were aware of his talent as an artist and songwriter, along with his large fan base. However, they were surprised by the overwhelming support and love from the community and industry. People they had known for years and even strangers shared stories of Toby's impact, showing the depth of his significance not only in the industry but also within the country music family as a whole.

Editor's P/S:

The ACM Awards tribute to Toby Keith was a poignant and heartfelt celebration of the late country music icon. Jason Aldean's moving performance of "Should've Been a Cowboy" captured the essence of Keith's spirit, while Blake Shelton's words paid tribute to his larger-than-life personality and unwavering dedication to his family and music. The audience's emotional response and the presence of Keith's children added a deeply personal touch to the occasion.

The outpouring of love and support for Keith in the wake of his passing highlights the profound impact he had on the country music community. His children's heartfelt words at the CMT Music Awards reveal the deep bond they shared with their father and the pride they take in his legacy. Keith's influence extended beyond his own music, inspiring countless artists and fans with his authenticity, storytelling, and unwavering belief in the power of country music. His memory will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the music that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.