‘Toby Keith: American Icon’ Celebrates The Music, Life & Legacy Of A Legend At Bridgestone Arena
Star-studded finale for “Toby Keith: American Icon,” Photo: Chris Hollo for Universal Music Group
The life and legacy of Toby Keith was celebrated on Monday night (July 29) by a host of artists, celebrities, songwriters and his family and friends at a star-studded, sold-out concert event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Filled with epic performances, personal stories and highlights from Keith’s life and career, the “Toby Keith: American Icon” event was taped live for a two-hour TV special set to air on Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. CT on NBC. It will stream the next day on Peacock.
Eric Church performs onstage for the “Toby Keith: American Icon” tribute at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
Carrie Underwood kicked off the celebration and turned it up with “A Little Less Talk And A Lot More Action,” and Eric Church kept the crowd on its feet with “As Good As I Once Was.” The night charged on with rocking Keith hits like “How Do You Like Me Now?!” performed by Brantley Gilbert and Hardy, “Who’s Your Daddy?” from Riley Green and Ella Langley and “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” from Ashley McBryde.
Other highlights included Luke Bryan playfully donning a black cowboy hat for Keith’s signature “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” and Lainey Wilson riding her Yellowstone horse “Cowboy” onstage to join Jamey Johnson for “Beer For My Horses.” Darius Rucker offered up a powerful rendition of “God Love Her,” and Priscilla Block introduced Jordan Davis and Clay Walker’s performance of “I Love This Bar.” Tyler Hubbard also led a rousing version of “Red Solo Cup” with friends Jelly Roll, Hardy, Davis, songwriters Jim and Brett Beavers and the Warren Brothers.
Keith was known for his unwavering support of our military, and the stage featured an enormous American flag and platform VIP seats for service members. Across the stage, a full bar was adorned with festive lights and all of the night’s special guests reveled in the party and camaraderie, pulling fans into a fitting celebration of the larger-than-life entertainer.
Jamey Johnson and Lainey Wilson perform onstage for the “Toby Keith: American Icon” tribute at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
There were plenty of tender moments as well throughout the night, as Keith’s daughter Shelley Covel introduced her sister Krystal Keith for a stirring rendition of “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” Those in the arena were also the first to see never-released footage of Keith singing his buddy Joe Diffie’s “Ships That Don’t Come In.” The Honor Guard and U.S. Army Band performed “America The Beautiful,” and close friend Trace Adkins shared a heartfelt tribute before singing “American Soldier” backed by Mac McAnally and Scotty Emerick.
Keith’s heart and philanthropy were also on display as the night benefited Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral. Families from each organization were brought up to share their stories of receiving care and support when they needed it most.
To close out the night, Parker McCollum lifted his hat to Keith and stomped out a rousing version of “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” joined by nearly the entire lineup.
Special guests and speakers throughout the evening included Dolly Parton, Carrot Top, Blake Shelton, Stephen Colbert, Reba McEntire, George Strait, General Jones, Willie Nelson, Sammy Hagar, Miranda Lambert and Brett Favre.
Trace Adkins performs onstage for the “Toby Keith: American Icon” tribute at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
Pictured (L-R): Family members Tracy Keith, Krystal Keith, Shelley Covel, Haley Covel, Stelen Covel and Tricia Covel attend “Toby Keith: American Icon” tribute at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
Ashley McBryde performs onstage for the “Toby Keith: American Icon” tribute at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
Darius Rucker performs onstage for the “Toby Keith: American Icon” tribute at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
Jelly Roll performs onstage for the “Toby Keith: American Icon” tribute at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
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