Last night, country music stars and fans gathered to pay tribute to Toby Keith during the NBC special Toby Keith: American Icon. Among the many heartfelt performances, Trace Adkins delivered one of the most moving moments of the night, reflecting on his deep friendship with Keith and the powerful message of patriotism that Keith carried throughout his career.
Adkins, who toured with Keith numerous times over the years, took the stage to honor his friend with a performance of “American Soldier,” a song that has become synonymous with Keith’s unwavering support for the military. Before launching into the emotional tribute, Adkins shared a memory that captured the essence of Toby Keith’s character.
“I’ve known Toby for a long time, and we toured together several times over the years,” Adkins recalled. “Every show he did, the last thing he said before he walked off the stage was, ‘Never apologize for being patriotic.’ He said it every night. And I knew when he was saying it that it was a challenge to the rest of us but also a glimpse into who Toby Keith was because, my God, he believed that.”
Keith's dedication to the military was more than just words. As someone who completed 11 USO Tours, performing in front of over 256,000 troops and military families across 18 countries, Keith lived his message of patriotism. Adkins praised his friend for always practicing what he preached, making sure to honor the commitment Keith had to supporting the troops.
The two-hour tribute special featured not only Adkins but also a star-studded lineup, including performances and appearances from country music’s biggest names like Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, and Darius Rucker, among others. Together, they celebrated the legacy of Toby Keith, a man whose music and message of patriotism was heard by millions.
