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Under a glittering canopy at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, Toby Keith’s family and friends gathered for an emotional celebration of the man whose voice and spirit defined modern country. As the camera panned to his three children—Shelly, Crystal, and Steen—tears glistened in the spotlight. Roger Clemens, longtime friend and Texas baseball legend, opened the tribute with a heartfelt speech, recalling Toby as “Big Dog Daddy,” a patriot whose loyalty and warmth transcended the stage. Then Brooks & Dunn took the floor, their harmonies carrying “Should Have Been a Cowboy” into the rafters as the crowd swayed in reverent silence.
Next, Sammy Hagar bounded onstage, grinning through tears, to belt out “I Love This Bar”—the anthem he and Toby had performed together countless times at Sammy’s own Caba Wabble. Hagar’s voice cracked as he remembered their ritual: “We’d fire that song up every time he walked in,” he laughed, voice wavering with emotion. The audience, many holding red Solo cups aloft in homage to Toby’s irrepressible party anthem, “Red Solo Cup,” erupted into cheers, transforming grief into celebration.
Rounding out the evening, Lainey Wilson delivered a soulful rendition of “How Do You Like Me Now?,” her fierce delivery paying tribute to Toby’s unapologetic boldness. She spoke of how his fearless persona inspired her own connection with fans. As the final notes faded, the sea of red cups rose one last time in unison—an impromptu salute to a man who made every performance feel like a backyard celebration. In that moment, sorrow and joy blended into one: the perfect reflection of Toby Keith’s legacy, a life lived loud, proud, and unforgettably together.