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Sadly, Toby Keith passed away six months ago from stomach cancer, which he fought bravely until the end.
Now, some of Nashville’s biggest artists, including Carrie Underwood and Jelly Roll, are celebrating Toby’s life and incredible work in a special tribute concert, “Toby Keith: American Icon,” airing tonight on NBC.
“Extra’s” Alecia Davis met with many of the stars, including Luke Bryan, and said she “still can’t believe Toby isn’t in the room.”
Brian, who sings “Should Have Been a Cowboy,” continues, “When I found out it was still available, I was like, ‘Oh my God, I have to do this,’ because I’ve literally been singing this song my whole life.”
The Queen of Country Music, Lainey Wilson, has also continued to sing Toby’s songs throughout her life.
She told Alecia, “He wasn’t afraid to think outside the box and stand up for his beliefs.”
Country singer Trace Adkins was one of Toby’s closest friends.
He said: “Professionally, Toby always gave me goals to aim for. I never reached his level, but it was a good goal to aim for. And on a personal note, the laughs we shared, the times we spent together, I’m honored to say he was my friend. He was a good man.”
Jamey Johnson, who sings “Beer for My Horses,” was also a friend of Toby’s.
He told Alesia, “In his personal time, he was nothing professional. In his personal life, he was also a bad golfer. He was just a guy trying to hit big shots on the par 5s, but he was also a repository of knowledge.”
Johnson continued, “He had the best memory of anybody. He could pull out a song he hadn’t heard since he was a child and play it flawlessly from start to finish. It was truly an honor to know him, talk to him and spend time with him.”
“Toby Keith: American Icon” airs tonight on NBC and will be available tomorrow on Peacock.
