Toby Keith’s Kids Open Up About Their Dad’s Legacy
via Us Weekly / Youtube
Country music legend Toby Keith received a powerful tribute at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. Held on Sunday, April 7th, the ceremony featured heartfelt performances from some of Toby’s closest friends in the industry.
Baseball icon Roger Clemens kicked things off with an introduction, paving the way for a medley of Keith’s greatest hits. Brooks & Dunn delivered a nostalgic rendition of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy”, while rock icon Sammy Hagar brought the energy with a rocking version of “I Love This Bar”. Rising star Lainey Wilson closed out the tribute with a stunning cover of “How Do You Like Me Now?”
Witnessing these emotional performances were Toby’s children, Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen, whose reactions offered a glimpse into the impact their father had not just on music, but on their lives.
Toby Keith’s Children Reflect on Dad’s Legacy at CMT Awards
Walking the red carpet at the CMT Music Awards, Toby Keith’s children shared their thoughts with Us Weekly about the upcoming tribute to their father.
Eldest daughter Shelley acknowledged the emotional weight of the evening. “It means a lot,” she said. “It means a lot. [It’s] our first really public outing, so it’s really bittersweet. It’s going to be emotional. We’re doing our best to keep the tears in now.”
Krystal, Toby’s younger daughter, added, “We’ve always come with him, so this is our first time being here without him, but he is being honored, so we feel like he’s here, and we’re excited to hear his music even though he’s not singing it. We’re really honored that Brooks & Dunn, and Sammy, and Lainey have chosen to honor him this way.”
The Country Legend’s Impact on the Industry
Krystal spoke about the unexpected wave of tributes her father received. “We knew he was an incredible artist, we knew he was an incredible songwriter, we knew he had a huge fan base,” she shared with Us Weekly.
“But what took us by surprise was the outpouring from the community and the industry people that we’ve known for so many years and people that we’ve never met telling us about the impact he had on them,” Keith’s daughter shared.
Krystal continued, emphasizing the depth of her father’s legacy. “I think that speaks volumes to who he was not just to the industry but in everyone in the country music family.”
Toby Keith’s Children Connect with Dad’s Peers
Ahead of the CMT Music Awards tribute, Toby Keith’s children Stelen and Krystal offered a glimpse into their emotional journey. Stelen spoke about a recent meeting with Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks following Toby’s Country Music Hall of Fame induction.
“We just talked about what he meant to them and vice versa,” Stelen shared. “I got to relay the same back. We’re really excited to be here.”
Krystal added another layer to the story, revealing a “cathartic” evening spent with Hagar and his wife. They swapped stories about the late country legend, and it warmed their hearts hearing these personal experiences from someone who knew him well.
Watch their interview below:
