Introduction
At the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, a tribute performance honoring the late artist Toby Keith brought his family to tears.
Brooks & Dunn opened the segment with the hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” moving the audience. Sammy Hagar followed with “I Love This Bar,” sharing memories of Keith from their time in Cabo San Lucas. Lainey Wilson concluded with “How Do You Like Me Now?” as images of a football field played in the background.
Toby Keith’s children—Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen Covel—made a rare red carpet appearance, their first since Keith passed away from stomach cancer in February 2024. Shelley said, “This is our first public appearance, and it’s very emotional.” Krystal added, “We feel like he’s still here with us.”
To close the tribute, former MLB player Roger Clemens led the audience in raising red solo cups—an homage to Keith’s iconic song “Red Solo Cup”—and said, “Thank you to the family for sharing Toby with us.” The moment brought Keith’s family to tears, ending the tribute night on a deeply emotional note.
