Toby Keith Posthumously Inducted Into Country Music Hall of Fame
By Movieguide® Contributor
Toby Keith will be posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, though he was elected before his death on Feb. 5.
The Country Music Association’s CEO, Sarah Trahern, explained that there is a rule against inducting anyone “the year after their death. But that doesn’t apply in this instance, since voting wrapped up Feb. 2,” Variety wrote.
Movieguide® reported on Keith’s death:
“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,” a statement on his website reads. Keith first announced his cancer diagnosis in 2022.
Trahern was deeply upset when she found out about Keith’s passing.
“My heart sank…knowing that we missed the chance to inform Toby while he was still with us,” she told PEOPLE. “But I have no doubt that he’s smiling down on us, knowing that he’ll always be ‘as good as he once was.’”
She added that she was unaware of how much Keith’s health had declined.
The singer was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2022.
“For a while, there was a little bit of, ‘Oh my gosh, what a difference one day would make,’” Trahern explained. “But he’ll be in here [in the Hall of Fame], whether it was gonna be this year or if it was gonna be two years from now.”
Keith’s son, Steven Keith Covel, told PEOPLE that his father’s induction “was always something on a checklist of a lot of things that he knew he was gonna accomplish in his life.”
“I was with my mom when we found out that he was gonna be inducted,” he remembered, “and it was relatively hard to process in the moment, but we dealt with it pretty well. It’s deserving. We all know he deserved it. We’re happy he’s in here, and we’re excited for him.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
Country music’s biggest stars are commemorating Toby Keith following his death on Feb. 5…
“Toby Keith has gone home. This is very sad news. We loved and respected him on every level and whispered many a prayer for him as he fought this illness,” said The Oak Ridge Boys. “God must have needed a big-hearted Oklahoma singing boy for the great choir. Well, he got one. RIP Toby Keith.”
Fellow country music star Lee Greenwood added, “Toby Keith did things his way – amazing artist, songwriter, patriot, and man of faith. I admired him and how he rolled. He and I shared a deep love for our military, and I’m proud that he took his music to dangerous places in order to give the American spirit to those protecting freedom.”
“I was pleased he called me the OG and was honored to work with him a few times through the years. Please join our family in praying for the Keith family. I am confident that Toby was met at the pearly gates by patriots who have gone before and is resting in the arms of Jesus,” he continued.
Dolly Parton shared on X, “It’s always hard when we lose our brothers and sisters in country music. Toby Keith was one of the greats in every way. He will be missed but his music and legacy will live on.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
