Introduction
On May 16, 2024, the heart of country music pulsed from Frisco, Texas, as the 59th Annual ACM Awards brought together some of the genre’s brightest stars. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the event featured unforgettable performances from Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, and many more.
Reba herself debuted a powerful new song titled “I Can’t,” while Jelly Roll introduced his emotionally charged track “Liar.” Yet one of the most talked-about moments of the evening was a deeply personal tribute that stirred every heart in the room.
Jason Aldean’s Emotional Tribute to Toby Keith
Just two days before the ceremony, the Academy of Country Music announced that Jason Aldean would honor the late Toby Keith with a special performance. Keith, who had passed away only a few months earlier, was a towering figure in country music — and the ACMs chose to celebrate him in the best way possible: through song.
“Honored to pay tribute to my friend, the one and only Toby Keith with a special performance of ‘Should’ve Been A Cowboy’ at the #ACMawards. Join me as we celebrate his legacy and the mark he left on country music,” Aldean shared on his social media platforms.
Aldean and Keith had shared a close bond, especially during the final stretch of Keith’s life. In October 2023, just four months before Toby’s passing, Aldean brought him onstage during a concert in Oklahoma City. Addressing the crowd with heartfelt admiration, Aldean said, “There’s only one guy you think of when you come to Oklahoma City. So make some noise for… Toby Keith!”
That night, they performed “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” together, and Toby’s voice rang out strong and proud. It’s still hard to believe that performance would be one of his last public moments on stage.
Honoring a Legend with Grace and Heart
When news of Toby Keith’s passing was announced, Aldean took to social media and posted photos from that special night. He wrote, “Just waking up to the news of Toby Keith’s passing. Today is a sad day for Country music and its fans. Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all looked up to and respected. You and your music will be forever remembered, big man.”
During the ACM Awards, Aldean paid tribute by performing “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” — the very song he had last shared with Toby. The moment was somber and stunning. With the help of a string quartet, Aldean slowed down the tempo, allowing every note and word to land with deep emotional weight. Behind him, a visual montage of Keith’s career played, bringing back decades of memories for fans and fellow artists alike.
In the audience, Toby’s family — his wife Tricia, daughters Shelley and Krystal, and son Stelen — were visibly emotional. They could be seen wiping tears during the tribute, surrounded by an audience that mourned and celebrated right alongside them. While Toby’s children had appeared at the CMT Music Awards weeks earlier, this marked the first public appearance of Tricia since his passing.
A Message from the Covel Family
After the show, Toby Keith’s family shared their appreciation with a heartfelt message on his official social media channels: “The Covel family would like to thank Jason Aldean for the wonderfully touching performance at the ACM Awards tonight. It was the perfect tribute to Toby Keith.”
It was a performance that did more than honor a friend — it reminded everyone in that room, and everyone watching at home, just how deeply Toby Keith’s legacy runs through the veins of country music.
Watch Jason Aldean’s Tribute
Relive the emotional moment below as Jason Aldean performs “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” in honor of Toby Keith at the 59th ACM Awards: