'He's smiling down upon us': Fans join in as 2024 CMT Music Awards honors Toby Keith with moving tribute

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Country legend Toby Keith was given a fitting tribute at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. 

The 'As Good As I Once Was' singer, who died of cancer on February 5, was remembered with a tribute performance by Sammy Hager, Brooks & Dunn, and Lainey Wilson, on Sunday, April 7.

Roger Clemens and the crowd at the CMT Music Awards raise red Solo cups in tribute to Toby Keith

The CMT Music Awards took place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, where Baseball legend Roger Clemens introduced the performance.

He called the late singer "a true friend and patriot." Clemens added that his friend was "battling that damn C-word," but still managed to "keep his sense of humor and his wit."

Meanwhile, Brooks & Dunn began their tribute, with an incredible rendition of Keith’s breakthrough 1993 single, 'Should’ve Been a Cowboy'.

Hagar then mesmerized the audience with 'I Love This Bar', which was released in 2003 as the first single from his 'Shock'n Y'all' album. 

Subsequently, Wilson took to the stage and performed 'How Do You Like Me Now?!' 

The event was attended by Keith’s wife, Tricia Lucas, and children, Shelley Covel Rowland, Krystal Keith, and Stelen Keith Covel, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

At the end of the bittersweet tribute, Clemens and the crowd raised red Solo cups and chanted, "Whisky for my men and beer for my horses!" referencing Keith's hit 'Beer for My Horses'.

Internet reacts to CMT Music Awards' tribute to Toby Keith

One wrote, "Toby was a patriot on stage and in life," and an emotional fan added, "Time is just flying by . It's so sad." 

A person expressed, "Thank you, @sammyhagar and @rogerclemens, for giving Toby Keith the tribute he deserved! Toby gave us all many years of great music and he was faithful to our troops. Coming from a military family, I always appreciated what Toby did for our troops. God Bless You both."

"Awesome Toby tribute!" declared someone else. "How can I be so sad and excited at the same time!!!!??? Miss you TK more than I ever imagined!!! I know you’ll be smiling down upon us all!!" shared one more fan. 

An individual who wasn't fond of the performances stated, "I would say hers was better than Brooks and Dunn. The whole tribute was rushed." 

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