Toby Keith's daughter Krystal's tribute performance of 'Don't Let the Old Man In' leaves fans emotional

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Krystal Keith paid tribute to her late father, Toby Keith, with a moving performance of his song 'Don't Let the Old Man In' during the two-hour NBC special 'Toby Keith: American Icon'. 

Her rendition touched fans deeply, mirroring the significant influence Toby, who died in February from stomach cancer, had on both a personal and professional level within the country music scene. 

Krystal Keith shares the emotional struggles of singing Toby Keith's 'Don't Let the Old Man In'

Krystal Keith acknowledged that she had to play the song repeatedly in order to "try to numb myself to the emotions a little bit" because it had been such an emotional night for her and her family.

"I just have to compartmentalize and know that he would laugh at me if I screw it up. So I’m just going to try to get through it and honor him the best I can," told the singer to Country Now.

Ahead of the tribute concert, where she took the stage alongside Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, Krystal told People that the song choice wasn't easy. 

She expressed, "I was thinking, 'OK, I can make it through a party song.' But when [producers] approached me with ['Don’t Let the Old Man In'], I was like, 'Well crap, I already cry with that song, just listening to it. I don’t know how I’m going to sing it.'"

The 'Daddy Dance With Me' songstress described the 2019 hit, which her father performed during his last public appearance, as a poignant reflection on death. 

Krystal further said, "I'm glad they did, though, because it turned out really special. I think that he would've been proud of it."

Toby's song, inspired by a conversation with Clint Eastwood, was featured in Eastwood's movie, 'The Mule', and released in his compilation, 'Greatest Hits: The Show Dog Years'.

Toby is survived by his 38-year-old daughter Krystal, 44-year-old daughter Shelley Covel Rowland, 27-year-old son Stelen Keith Covel, and Tricia Lucus, his wife of 40 years.

Toby Keith performed 'Mockingbird' with Krystal Keith at the 2004 CMA Awards

During the 2004 CMA Awards, Toby Keith invited his daughter to join him on stage for a rendition of 'Mockingbird' from his 'Greatest Hits 2' compilation album. The song, which is a twist on the classic nursery rhyme, lists the various gifts a father promises to his child, beginning with a mockingbird, as reported by American Songwriter.

The Keiths' interpretation was lively and jazzy, featuring an exchange of verses between father and daughter. At just 19, Krystal delivered a stunning performance of 'Mockingbird', showcasing her ability to stand out on country music's most prestigious evening.

Her vocal strength and remarkable range, which have remained consistent over time, were on full display. As the performance wrapped up, Toby gestured towards his daughter, signaling to the audience, "Krystal Keith, everyone," in recognition of her skills.

They shared a tender embrace, with Toby planting a kiss on Krystal's forehead and declaring with pride, "That's my girl."

Internet lauds Krystal Keith's emotional tribute to Toby Keith

Krystal Keith's touching performance of Toby Keith's 'Don't Let the Old Man In' moved his admirers to tears. 

One said, "Crystal’s performance of ‘Don’t Let The Old Man In’ was beautiful!!"

Another wrote, "@KrystalKeith Watching the wonderful tribute to @tobykeith on NBC, singing 'Don't Let The Old Man In', Krystal I was a fan and have your CDs, and have always loved your voice. Tonight it touched my soul. Beautiful, pure, emotions. God Bless you and the entire family."

"The Toby Keith tribute was absolutely amazing! I loved that Toby’s family was on stage. Toby’s daughter singing 'Don’t let the Old man in' Everyone was just incredible! Great job well done to all!! RIP Big Dog what an amazing human being Toby Keith was God bless," expressed a fan. 

One more noted, "His daughter singing Don’t let the old man in literally made me cry."

"@KrystalKeith You did an amazing job at your Dad‘s memorial tribute. I wish you’d post your video tribute of 'Don’t Let The Old Man In' on your page so that I could easily share it with others. There’s something about your voice that shares a quality that your Dad had in his," mentioned another person. 

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