Country Stars Pay Tribute to Late Singer at Country Music Awards

Country music fans were treated to a heartfelt tribute at the 2024 Country Music Awards, held at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The night honored the late country music icon who passed away recently.

The tribute was headlined by close friends of the late singer, including Brooks & Dunn and Sammy Hagar, along with rising star Jelly Roll, who Keith mentored during his career. The performance was backed by Keith’s long-standing supporting band.

Baseball legend Roger Clemens took the stage to introduce the tribute, reminiscing about Keith’s resilience and sense of humor during his battle with cancer. Clemens praised Keith as a true friend and patriot.

Brooks & Dunn kicked off the emotional tribute with a high-energy performance of Keith’s hit ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy,’ captivating the audience, including Jelly Roll, who joined in singing along.

Sammy Hagar followed up with a spirited rendition of Keith’s popular track ‘I Love This Bar,’ reflecting on the song’s tie-in with Toby Keith’s restaurant chain. Hagar humorously noted how both he and Keith managed to get kicked out of their own bars over the years.

Introductions from Lukas Nelson and Riley Green set the stage for an emotional closing performance by Wilson, who delivered a powerful rendition of ‘How Do You Like Me Now?!’ The touching moment saw Keith’s widow, Tricia Lucas, and children, Shelley Covel Rowland, Krystal Keith, and Stelen Keith Covel, in attendance.

As the tribute came to a close, a tearful Clemens led the audience in a heartfelt Red Solo Cup toast in honor of the late country music legend, raising his cup to the sky with the iconic phrase ‘Whisky for my men and beer for my horses!’

This article first appeared on a dedicated music publication, bringing the heartwarming tribute to country fans worldwide.