Toby Keith Delivered His Last Televised Performance On The People’s Choice Country Awards In 2023
Toby Keith was recognized as the “Country Icon” at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards in 2023. The singer, who’d been diagnosed with stomach cancer in the Fall of 2021, appeared at the event to accept the honor.
In his short but powerful speech, Toby thanked his fans and “The Almighty.”
Toby also delivered a moving performance during the ceremony. He sang “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” a song he recorded for Clint Eastwood’s 2018 film, The Mule.
The song focuses on the subjects of aging and mortality, with the lyrics going:
“Many moons I have lived. My body’s weathered and worn. Ask yourself how would you be, if you didn’t know the day you were born.”
That message hit a little harder for those who watched Toby sing “Don’t Let the Old Man In” on the PCCAs, knowing about his cancer diagnosis. His wife, Tricia Covel, cried in the audience as she watched her husband sing.
Now, looking back, that performance means even more. Toby passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62. His performance of “Don’t Let the Old Man In” at the 2023 PCCAs was his last televised performance.
This Year’s PCCAs Did Not Recognize Toby With A Tribute
The 2024 PCCAs aired on NBC on Thursday (September 26). Miranda Lambert earned the “Country Icon” award this year.
Considering his important connection to the program, fans expected the People’s Choice Country Awards would pay tribute to their first “Country Icon,” Toby Keith. However, Toby was not recognized with a musical tribute during the two-hour ceremony.
While the PCCAs did not honor Toby, other events have remembered him with tributes since his passing. Lainey Wilson, Sammy Hagar, and Brooks & Dunn performed a medley of his songs at the CMT Music Awards in April.
Jason Aldean honored Toby by singing a stripped-down rendition of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” at the ACM Awards in May. Toby’s family thanked him for the “wonderfully touching” tribute.
In July, an all-star lineup of country singers united at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to honor Toby during a benefit concert for his OK Kids Korral and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The concert was filmed for a concert special that aired on NBC in August.
One of the night’s highlights was when Toby’s daughter, Krystal, sang “Don’t Let The Old Man In.” Tune in to the video below to watch Toby perform the song himself during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards.
