Toby Keith Delivers Emotional Performance At People’s Choice Country Awards

As a longtime Toby Keith fan, having played his music since day one and seeing him live dozens of times, I could not contain my emotions. Last week's inaugural People's Choice Country Awards was  a night of filled with all the feels. It was especially so for Toby and his family. The country music legend was honored with the Country Icon Award there, presented by his friend and fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton. But, it was his return to the stage and his song that had everyone all emotional, including Toby himself. You can watch below as Toby Keith delivers an emotional performance at People's Choice Awards, and his wife watches while wiping her tears.

The 62 year old icon has been battling stomach cancer for about 2 years. He chose to sing a song he wrote in 2018 for his friend, actor Clint Eastwood. According to American Songwriter, Toby wrote “Don’t Let the Old Man In" as a birthday present for Eastwood's 88th birthday. He was shooting his movie, The Mule and like Toby's song so much he put it in the movie. As the story goes, Keith asked Clint how he was able to do everything he does at this age and his response was "I just get up every morning and go out. And I don’t let the old man in." Toby took that line and ran with it.

The lyrics to "Don't Let The Old Man In" took on new meaning as Toby sang them amidst his cancer struggles. These lyrics had everywhere shedding tears:

Last November, Toby received another great honor...

Back in June, country superstar Toby Keith announced he had been battling stomach cancer, since late last year and was undergoing treatment. In an official announcement released to his social media, Toby said, "I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax,” the statement says. “I am looking forward to spending time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait. -T”

On Tuesday of this week, the mutli-platinum, award winning country artist made his first very public appearance (he had popped up at a few appearances ahead of this).  Toby Keith was "feelin' the love," when he was honored with a BMI Icon Award. This award is truly a high honor as it recognizes exceptional sonwriters for their  “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” (bmi.com)

According to Whiskey Riff,  in his acceptance speech, and in typical Toby speak,  he shared, "My first thing when I got to Nashville……they said, ‘You’ve got to get affiliated.' So I walked into the office one day….and I said, ‘I’m from Oklahoma, and I need to get ‘filiated.'”

He sure looks to be in his happy place...the stage. Click through to see more photos!

The man is a born storyteller

We've had a life long connection to Toby Keith. Literally. His debut single was released right as we went on the air in Boston for the first time. It was 1993, and the world took notice of Mr. Keith, giving him his first in a long line of #1 hits.

It's so good to see Toby out and obviously having a great time with fellow artists and friends

Carrie and Toby having a laugh