Watch Toby Keith’s Family Gets Emotional In 2024 CMT Music Awards
via Entertainment Tonight / Youtube
The 2024 CMT Awards were a star-studded affair, packed with toe-tapping performances and tear-jerking speeches. While there were many memorable moments throughout the night, it was the emotional tribute to the late Toby Keith that truly stole the show.
The country music legend passed away earlier this year at the age of 62 after a valiant battle with stomach cancer. His absence was deeply felt throughout the country music community, but his memory was honored in a big way at the CMT Awards.
Keith’s wife, Tricia, and their three children were on hand to witness the outpouring of love and respect from his fellow musicians and fans.
A Toast to Toby Keith
Toby Keith’s longtime friend, baseball legend Roger Clemens, emceed the segment. Country music duo Brooks & Dunn kicked things off with a powerful rendition of Keith’s iconic hit, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”.
Following that, rocker Sammy Hagar, known for his time with Van Halen, delivered a lively performance of “I Love This Bar”. Rising country star Lainey Wilson then closed out the set with a spirited take on “How Do You Like Me Now?”
The crowd erupted in cheers after the medley, and Clemens returned to the stage. He expressed his gratitude to Keith’s family for sharing their husband and father with the world. With a final nod to the country legend’s legacy, Clemens instructed the audience to raise their red Solo cups in a toast. Cameras then panned to Toby’s children, Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen, seated in the audience, their faces filled with emotion.
Sammy Hagar Reflects on Emotional Tribute
Following the emotional tribute, Hagar, a close friend of the country music legend, took to Twitter to share his experience. Hagar admitted to feeling overwhelmed with emotion leading up to the performance. He worried he wouldn’t be able to control his grief while singing onstage.
However, when he joined Toby’s band (musicians he knew well from past collaborations) and felt the audience’s energy and love, a transformation occurred. Hagar described how the outpouring of emotion in the room turned his tears of sadness into joy.
He expressed his deep honor at being included in the tribute and acknowledged the immense loss everyone feels with Toby’s passing.
