Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson and Sammy Hagar came together to honor Toby Keith with an all-star tribute to the late Country music legend, during the 2024 CMT Music Awards this Sunday.
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The performance in Keith’s honor also included special appearances by Lukas Nelson, Riley Green, and was backed by the Toby’s longtime band. Baseball legend Roger Clemens introduced the performance, calling Keith “a true friend and patriot,” and noted that in recent years as Keith was “battling that damn C-word,” the singer “kept his sense of humor and his wit.”
Brooks & Dunn started off the tribute performance, delivering a rousing rendition of Keith’s breakthrough 1993 single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”
Hagar then followed with a rambunctious rendition of Keith’s 2003 hit “I Love This Bar.”
And after an introduction from Lukas Nelson and Riley Green, Lainey closed out the set with “How Do You Like Me Now?!” the title track to Keith’s 1999 album.
After the performance, a tearful Clemens returned to the stage and led the entire audience in a red solo cup cheers to the legend. “Whisky for my men and beer for my horses!” he shouted, raising his cup up high.
Keith succumbed to stomach cancer on February 5, 2024 following a years-long battle. After keeping his diagnosis private for the first six months, in June of 2022, Keith revealed his diagnosis to the world, sharing "Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer,” in a statement. “I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.” Just shy of two years after revealing the news, Keith’s family shared across his site and socials that the Country star had passed. "Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5, surrounded by his family,” the post read. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Check out clips of the entertaining and emotional tribute performance above.