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LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 15: Toby Keith (L) and Blake Shelton perform during the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Toby Keith (L) and Blake Shelton (R)

Blake Shelton Makes Fans Sob With Heartfelt Tribute to Toby Keith at 2024 ACM Awards

The late singer's wife and his three kids were at the show to witness the emotional speech.

Blake Shelton made sure to do his good friend Toby Keith justice while introducing a special tribute to the late country superstar at the 2024 ACM Awards. 

Before Jason Aldean took the stage to perform a rendition of Keith's hit song "Should've Been a Cowboy," Blake offered up a heartfelt speech to honor the life and legacy of the late singer, who passed away at age 62 in February following a battle with stomach cancer.

"As a friend, a fan and a fellow Okie, I feel heartbroken and yet honored to be standing here tonight to remember a man who became one of the biggest country music stars of all time: the late, great, Toby Keith." 

"Toby was a big star in every way," Blake, 47, continued, noting that Keith sold more than 44 million albums, had 33 No. 1 hits, and won 14 ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year, throughout his prolific career. 

"But in the end, the mark that Toby left was much more than just that: Toby was a loving husband to his beautiful wife Tricia [Lucus]. He was a proud father to their three kids and we're so honored and moved to have Tricia and the kids all here with us tonight," Blake said, while the cameras panned to Keith's family sitting in the audience. 

Toby's wife Tricia was sitting next to the pair's three kids: Shelley Covel Rowland, 44, Krystal Keith, 38 and Stelen Keith Covel, 27. The appearance at Thursday's show marked Tricia's first time attending a public event since her husband's passing on Feb. 5. 

Blake continued his touching speech by stating, "Toby was a great friend to me and he was a real straight shooter who was larger than life and he always would shoot you straight, right till the very end of his very brave ride, that ended way too soon." 

He then introduced Jason, 47, to the stage to give a somber performance in honor of Toby. 

Fans online were absolutely gutted by the tribute, with one person on X (formerly Twitter) saying they were "sobbing" after watching the emotional moment. 

"I’m happy @blakeshelton introduced Jason," another fan tweeted. 

"Broke my heart when they showed Toby's family," someone else wrote.  

The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards presentation is free to stream on Prime Video. Fans can also watch the show on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. 

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