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 Award
The Song
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…
Toby Keith Is 'Feelin The Love' After A Return To The Stage And Winning A BMI Icon Award
More Photos From Toby's Big Night At the BMI Awards
It’s so good to see Toby out and obviously having a great time with fellow artists and friends
Jason Aldean and Toby Keith attend the 2022 BMI Country Awards at BMI on November 08, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)
BeBe Winans, Toby Keith, BMI Vice President Creative Clay Bradley attend the 2022 BMI Country Awards at BMI on November 08, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
Fellow Oklahomans
Carrie and Toby having a laugh
Carrie Underwood and Toby Keith attend the BMI Icon Award during the 2022 BMI Country Awards at BMI on November 08, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)
