Toby Keith’s Daughter Remembers Late Father with Birthday Message [Photo]

Toby Keith was honored during a moving tribute at the CMT Music Awards on Sunday night, April 7. His children, Krystal Keith, Shelley Covel Rowland, and Stelen Keith, along with his wife Haley, flew to Austin, Texas, to support him and walked the red carpet together. The tribute featured performances by Brooks & Dunn, rocker Sammy Hagar, and Lainey Wilson, who each sang one of Keith’s hits: “How Do You Like Me Now,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” and “I Love This Bar.” Baseball icon Roger Clemens, a close friend of the late singer, introduced the performances and left the audience in tears by thanking Keith’s wife Tricia for sharing her husband with the world.

Toby Keith passed away on February 5, 2024, after a lengthy battle with stomach cancer. He had revealed his diagnosis to fans in 2021 and took time away from the spotlight to rest and fight his illness. In late 2023, he expressed his eagerness to return to touring, but unfortunately, he did not get the chance. He also did not live to see his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, which is set to take place in October.

Toby Keith would have turned 63 on Monday, July 8. His friends and family celebrated his birthday for the first time since his passing. His daughter, Krystal Keith, who is also a country performer, shared a heartfelt remembrance of him on social media. “Happy Birthday to our Popster,” she wrote, alongside a photo of her dad grinning on a baseball field and holding up a card that reads, “Keep Smiling.” She continued, “We miss him like crazy. Playin’ in sweet in heaven today.”

In addition to Krystal, Toby Keith is survived by his wife Tricia, another daughter named Shelley, and a son named Stelen. He also leaves behind several grandchildren and extended family members. The country legend may be gone, but he is certainly not forgotten. Tributes and remembrances from fellow country musicians poured in following his death, and he has been the subject of several special performances in recent months. One notable tribute was at the 2024 ACM Awards, where Jason Aldean performed a stirring rendition of Keith’s hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”

Toby Keith’s life and career are also being memorialized with an all-star tribute concert in Nashville this month, which will air on NBC in August. Stars like Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Luke Bryan are part of the lineup for this special event.

The University of Oklahoma also remembered the late Toby Keith during their May 11 graduation ceremony. His daughter Krystal Keith accepted an honorary degree on behalf of her father. Toby had known he was set to receive the honor before his death. A message posted on Toby’s Instagram page on May 12 read, “Toby learned he would be receiving an honorary degree from @uofoklahoma last fall, and yesterday, @krystalkeith accepted it on his behalf at the commencement ceremony. Congratulations to all of the OU graduates!”

OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr. shared a photo on X (formerly known as Twitter) featuring Krystal and Toby’s wife, Tricia Lucus. He captioned the picture, “So incredibly grateful to Tricia and Krystal Keith for joining us Saturday to celebrate the impact and legacy of @tobykeith with an honorary degree from @UofOklahoma. Miss you and each and every day, TK. ❤️”

Toby Keith was a big fan of the Oklahoma Sooners football team, and his daughters Krystal and Shelley, along with his son Stelen Covel, are all OU alumni. Following Toby’s death in February, Harroz, Jr. shared an emotional message on the university’s website. “Throughout his illustrious career, he remained rooted in his Oklahoma upbringing, choosing to live in the state that shaped him and giving back generously to his fellow Oklahomans,” the tribute included.

“His philanthropic efforts, from raising millions for children battling cancer to supporting tornado victims, exemplified his unwavering commitment to his roots and his compassion for others. As a lifelong Sooner, Toby’s passion for the crimson and cream made him a cherished figure within Sooner Nation, where he proudly shared his love for the university and its community,” the message added.

After her dad died, Krystal shared a heartfelt post on Instagram alongside multiple family photos. “I am shattered. As great as he was in his career, he was so much greater as a dad and a husband and a Pop Pop. He was my hero,” she wrote in the caption.

Toby Keith’s legacy continues to live on through his music, his family, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and generosity. His absence leaves a void not only in the country music landscape but also in the hearts of all who were touched by his music and his kindness.

Source: Taste of Country, People