Toby Keith, the 62-year-old country music icon known for his cowboy hat, brought fans back to their retro days with his timeless music. The American Soldier singer left a lasting legacy with his numerous albums and hit songs. Even after his passing, Toby Keith continues to break records, as CMA recently revealed that he is still in the running for induction into 'The Country Music Hall Of Fame'. Did Toby Keith die without knowing that he received the country’s greatest honor?
Is Toby Keith in The Country Hall Of Fame?
Yes. The Red Solo Cup singer has successfully made it onto this prestigious list of singers, and even his fellow musicians are included as well. John Anderson and James Burton, the talented guitarist, were also recognized on the list.
The Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern revealed how she had received the voting results on Feb 6, 2024 just a day after Toby Keith passed away battling stomach Cancer. Waking up to the news of Keith’s death made Sarah upset. The CMA CEO addressed a crowd in the Country Music Hall of Fame rotunda where she said, “my heart sank … knowing that we missed the chance to inform Toby while he was still with us.”
She also added, “But I have no doubt that he’s smiling down on us, knowing that he’ll always be ‘as good as he once was’” which is Keith’s No.1 single from 2005, which stayed on the charts at number one for six weeks. The song is also called As Good As I Once Was.
Toby Keith has 32 singles that stayed No.1 for at least some time. Songs like Should’ve Been a Cowboy, How Do You Like Me Now?!, Who’s That Man and others have been classics by Toby Keith.
What are the other awards that Toby Keith won?
The singer made it to all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015 for writing and co-writing most of his songs himself. He also made it to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.
Toby Keith's son, Stelen Keith Covel, shared that Toby always dreamed of being in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Winning the National Medal of the Arts in 2020, BMI Icon Award in 2022, and other prestigious awards was a significant milestone for him. The entire family is filled with emotions, but they are also incredibly proud. Tricia Lucus Covel, Keith's wife of 40 years, and their son are honored to accept the title on his behalf. The absence of the singer is deeply felt by all of us.
As we get more updates on Toby Keith, stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.
