The country music industry was hit with the heartbreaking news of the passing of a music icon, Toby Keith, earlier last month. Just three days after Keith passed, fellow singer Tim McGraw stopped his concert to pay tribute to Keith. The emotional and touching moment occurred during a concert at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in Davie, Florida.
“To bear with me if I don’t get through it. You guys help me out,” McGraw said to the audience, becoming visibly emotional. “But I want to dedicate this song to Toby and his family.”
The legendary singer was then led to sing “Live Like You’re Dying,” but he was so overcome with emotion that he couldn’t finish the performance and let the audience continue the song. McGraw’s tribute to Keith was emotional and heartfelt, leaving the audience in tears.
Before this live tribute, McGraw had also taken to social media to pay tribute to Keith after his passing. He wrote on Instagram, describing Keith as a maverick who did things his way, on his terms, and was courageously dedicated to making his own music. McGraw mentioned that Toby Keith was “a true artist,” and that his artistry, dedication, and fearlessness would be deeply missed.
The country music community was similarly devastated by the news of Keith’s passing. John Rich called Keith a true Patriot, a first-class singer/songwriter, and a “bigger than life kind of guy.” Country star Blake Shelton also honored Keith, calling him “the toughest man I ever met” and thanking him for being a friend, hero, and inspiration.
As the world continues to mourn the loss of a true legend, the tribute from McGraw remains as a touching moment that serves as a testimony to the powerful impact Toby Keith had on the music industry. His legacy and his music will continue to live on.
