Some of Country music’s biggest names came together Monday night (7/29) to honor the life and legacy of Toby Keith with a live concert event, Toby Keith: American Icon. During the event, which was taped for a special set to air via NBC, fans were treated to a one-of-a-kind moment as footage from Keith’s very last recording session was shared in a unique way.
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During the show, HARDY, revealed that Keith’s final recording session was for a cover of the late Joe Diffie’s "Ships That Don't Come In" which was featured on HARDY’s Hixtape Volume 3. With some help from producers, the song blends both Diffie and Keith’s voices together, creating a beautiful musical moment. The magic continued Monday night as the video footage of Toby’s final studio recording was paired with his vocals and the house band playing “Ships That Don't Come In,” creating an impactful moment for all.
The entire tribute show, Toby Keith: American Icon, which benefitted Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral, is set to air via NBC on August 28, from 8-10PM ET / PT.
Keith, the singer-songwriter behind legendary hits like “Beer For My Horses,” “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” 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.”