Introduction:
At the 2024 CMT Music Awards, a deeply emotional tribute was paid to Toby Keith, whose passing earlier that year had left a significant void in the country music world. Keith, who died in February 2024 from stomach cancer at age 62, was honored by a star-studded lineup of artists, including Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, and Lainey Wilson. The tribute highlighted his vibrant legacy through performances of some of his most iconic songs.
Brooks & Dunn began the tribute with “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” a nod to one of Keith’s earliest and most beloved hits. The upbeat energy set a celebratory tone, reminding fans of the joy and humor Keith brought to country music. Rock legend Sammy Hagar followed, sharing memories of wild times with Keith, including a humorous story about being thrown out of Keith’s own bar. The performance of “I Love This Bar” continued the upbeat celebration.
However, the tribute took a more sentimental turn when Lainey Wilson performed Keith’s hit “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and former MLB player Roger Clemens gave a heartfelt speech. Clemens spoke of Keith’s courage and humor during his battle with cancer, emphasizing the singer’s enduring sense of wit. The tribute concluded with Clemens thanking Keith’s family, leading to an emotional moment as his children, Krystal, Shelley, and Stelen, fought back tears. The performance became even more poignant when Clemens acknowledged Keith’s wife, Tricia Lucus, for sharing her husband with the world, bringing the tribute to a deeply moving close.
This celebration of Toby Keith’s life and music at the 2024 CMT Awards was a fitting reminder of his larger-than-life personality and contributions to country music, leaving a lasting impression on his fans, peers, and family.