Sammy Hagar Brooks Dunn Lainey Wilson Tribute Toby Keith CMT Music Awards

Kelsea Ballerini crashes CMT Awards monologue remotely after testing positive for COVID-19. Tribute to Toby Keith steals the show.

The country music community was struck with sadness when Toby Keith passed away on February 5 at the age of 62. With a career that spanned three decades and included 20 No. 1 hits on the charts, Keith was a trailblazer in the genre. So, it was no surprise that the 2024 CMT Music Awards paid tribute to the late star in a special segment during the show.

Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, and Lainey Wilson took the stage to honor Keith, with support from his longtime backing band. Baseball legend Roger Clemens introduced the performance, reminiscing about Keith's humor and wit even in the face of his battle with cancer. Brooks & Dunn kicked off the tribute with a spirited rendition of Keith's iconic song "Should've Been a Cowboy," getting the crowd singing along.

Hagar brought the energy up a notch with a lively performance of Keith's hit "I Love This Bar," a nod to the country singer's restaurant franchise. Wilson closed out the tribute with a heartfelt performance of "How Do You Like Me Now?!" as Keith's family looked on. The emotional moment culminated in a toast to Keith with a Red Solo Cup, led by Clemens.

The tribute was a fitting celebration of Keith's legacy and impact on the country music world. It was a reminder of his talent, his humor, and his enduring presence in the hearts of fans. The CMT Music Awards honored a true legend in a way that was both touching and memorable.