Toby Keith’s Children Make Rare Red Carpet Appearance 2 Months After His Death

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Toby Keith: A Touching Tribute Night After His Passing

Two months after the heartbreaking passing of Toby Keith at the age of 62, his family appeared at the 2024 CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas, to continue honoring the legendary country music icon. Making their first public appearance since his death, Toby’s children – Crystal Keith, Shelley Covel Rowland, and Stelen Keith Covel – could not hide their emotions. “This is a very special moment, full of pride but also deep emotion,” Shelley shared in an interview with Us Weekly. “We’re doing our best to hold back the tears and cherish every second.”

Throughout the ceremony, many country music stars paid tribute to Toby Keith – a true legend whose impact can never be replaced. Brooks & Dunn delivered a heartfelt performance of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” while Lainey Wilson brought fresh energy to his hit “How Do You Like Me Now?!”. Sammy Hagar fired up the crowd with “I Love This Bar,” and close friend Roger Clemens called Toby “a great friend, a true patriot, and a real American icon.”

Not long before his passing, Toby gave what would become his final interview ahead of receiving the Country Icon Award at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. When asked what he was most proud of in his career, he said, “I’m proudest of my songwriting – each song holds a memory, a moment in my life.” That night, he performed the emotional ballad “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” written for a Clint Eastwood film, as a powerful farewell.

Despite his battle with stomach cancer, Toby Keith remained optimistic and passionate about music. “There are good days and bad,” he once shared. “But I’m grateful for every one of them.” To his fans, Toby will always be “Big Dog Daddy” – a man who left an unforgettable legacy in the hearts of an entire generation of country music lovers.

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