'Games won't be the same': Toby Keith honored by Oklahoma Sooners in touching pre-game tribute

OKLAHOMA, UNITED STATES: Internet users were deeply moved as the Oklahoma Sooners honored country music icon Toby Keith ahead of their Tuesday night game.

Keith, who tragically died on Monday following a courageous battle with stomach cancer at the age of 62, held a special place in the hearts of many as a devoted supporter of Oklahoma Athletics.

According to Fox News, a statement posted on his social media confirmed that Keith peacefully passed away on February 5, surrounded by his loved ones, with a plea for privacy from his family.

Even in his death, Keith's influence continues to resonate, with renewed attention on a poignant 2005 video where pop icon, Taylor Swift expressed gratitude to Keith for propelling her career forward. In the resurfaced footage, a 15-year-old Swift credited Keith with providing her breakthrough opportunity, recounting how he played a pivotal role in getting her signed at a time when she was relatively unknown. 

Oklahoma Sooners pay triibute to Toby Keith

Fox News reported that before the Oklahoma Sooners' men's basketball matchup against the BYU Cougars on Tuesday night, a touching tribute was set up in honor of Toby Keith.

As per Fox News, in a poignant gesture, a guitar, accompanied by his trademark red OU solo cup, immortalized in one of his hit songs, was placed in the seat he customarily occupied next to athletic director Joe Castiglione, positioned behind the courtside basket.

The Oklahoma Sooners also took to Twitter on the same day, sharing an image of the guitar with the caption "Forever a Sooner ❤️🤍," paying homage to Keith's enduring connection with the university.

Before the game commenced, a moment of silence was observed as a mark of respect for Keith's death, as detailed by Fox News.

Reflecting on the loss, Oklahoma Athletics released a statement expressing, "The OU Athletics family is incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Toby Keith. It’s a profoundly sad reality to exist in a world where Toby doesn’t. He brought life and joy to every room he entered, and our hearts are dimmer today without him. An American icon and a stalwart Sooner.

A superstar talent and a fierce friend of our program. We thank him for the unwavering support he always gave, his generosity as a human being and the countless smiles and memories he created here in Oklahoma and around the world."

The 2023 People's Choice Country Awards marked one of Keith's final public appearances and performances before his death. On September 28, 2023, he delivered a moving rendition of 'Don't Let The Old Man In', a moment that left his wife, Tricia Lucus, visibly moved.

Internet users assert Toby Keith will be 'among the legends'

A user wrote, "Cool gesture. Bama fan all the way here but Boomer Sooner, TK! May he rest in peace."

Another user wrote, "Toby will always be among the Legends, Just the BEST!!!"

A user commented, "OU games won’t be the same. R.I.P. King"

Another user commented, "So sad to live in a world without Toby Keith. 🙁 Such a loss... #RIP #Iconic #GoneTooSoon"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.