Introduction
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At the 59th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards on May 16, 2024, held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, country music stars Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean delivered a poignant tribute to the late Toby Keith, who passed away in February 2024 at the age of 62 after battling stomach cancer.
Blake Shelton, a close friend of Keith, introduced the tribute by highlighting Keith’s illustrious career, noting his 33 number-one hits, 14 ACM Awards, and over 44 million albums sold. Shelton emphasized that beyond his musical achievements, Keith was “a loving husband” and “a proud father,” underscoring the personal qualities that endeared him to many.
Following Shelton’s introduction, Jason Aldean took the stage to perform an acoustic rendition of Keith’s iconic 1993 debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Seated on a stool and accompanied by two guitarists, Aldean delivered a stripped-down version of the song, allowing the poignant lyrics and melody to shine. Behind him, a montage of black-and-white photos showcased moments from Keith’s life and career, adding a visual layer to the tribute.
The performance moved many in the audience to tears, including Keith’s family members—his wife Tricia Lucus, daughters Shelley and Krystal, and son Stelen—who were present in the front row. This marked their first public appearance together since Keith’s passing.
After the performance, Aldean expressed his sentiments, stating, “We love you, Toby,” capturing the collective emotion of the evening. The tribute was widely praised, with host Reba McEntire adding, “Toby, we’ll never forget you. I kinda feel like you’re here with us tonight.”
The 2024 ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, celebrated the achievements of country music artists, with notable winners including Lainey Wilson as Entertainer and Female Artist of the Year, and Chris Stapleton as Male Artist of the Year and for Album of the Year.
For those who missed the live broadcast, Jason Aldean’s tribute performance is available to watch online:
Video
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