Opinion
The legendary country music star Toby Keith died earlier this month at the age of 62 after a lengthy battle with stomach cancer. Afterwards, his fellow country music singer Tim McGraw paid tribute to him with an incredibly emotional rendition of his song “Live Like You’re Dying.”
Keith Honors McGraw
Three days after Keith passed away, McGraw paused his concert at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in Davie, Florida to dedicate one of his most beloved songs to Keith.
“Toby and I got to know each other pretty well early in our career. We spent a lot of time hanging out on the bus. Played some shows together…” McGraw began. “He was a really, really, really good guy. A great artist, and I always respected how he did things his way and didn’t care what anybody thought.”
“So, bear with me if I don’t get through it. You guys help me out,” he added as he became visibly emotional. “But I want to dedicate this song to Toby and his family.”
The audience broke into thunderous applause as the band started the opening to “Live Like You’re Dying.” McGraw was so choked up that he found himself unable to sing, so he held up his microphone to the crowd to let them lead the opening lyrics to the song.
Check out the powerful performance for yourself in the video below.
Related: Reba McEntire Honors Toby Keith As She Prepares To Sing National Anthem At Super Bowl
McGraw’s Previous Tribute To Keith
McGraw also took to social media to pay tribute to Keith after he died on February 5.
“Our self-titled debuts came out on the same day, April 20, 1993… Toby and I spent quite a bit of time together early in our careers,” McGraw wrote on Instagram. “We had a lot of good times and conversations about what we wanted out of our careers and our lives.”
“He was a maverick,” he added. “He did things his way, on his terms, a true artist. I always have and always will have tremendous respect for his artistry, dedication and fearlessness to do his thing. We all will miss you, brother.”
Related: Brett Favre Reveals Sad Details About Toby Keith’s Final Days – ‘He Was Just Tired’
Tributes To Keith Pour In
Fans were devastated when Keith’s family announced his passing the morning after his death.
“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage,” they said in a statement. “Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Since then, other tributes have been pouring in for Keith as well.
“Toby Keith was a patriot, you know, and he did not care who had a problem with it,” the country music star John Rich told Fox News.
“Waking up to the terrible news that our friend, and legend @tobykeith has passed away from cancer,” Rich later added on social media. “He was a true Patriot, a first class singer/songwriter, and a bigger than life kind of guy. He will be greatly missed.”
Blake Shelton, whose career was helped by Keith decades ago, honored Keith as well.
”Even though I knew about your battle these last few months I still never imagined this day,” he said, according to NBC News. “Anyone who knew you knows what I mean. You were the toughest man I ever met. Thank you, brother, for being a friend, a hero and an inspiration. There will never be another Toby Keith.”
Keith was a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. What did you think about McGraw’s tribute to him? Let us know in the comments section.
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