Jason Aldean paid tribute to his late friend, Toby Keith, by singing a tearful cover of Should’ve Been A Cowboy during the ACM Awards, and the performance was absolutely beautiful.
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This year’s ACM Awards Show was the first without the legendary singer, who passed away from complications of stomach cancer on February 5. Jason ensured Toby was there in spirit with his slowed-down and emotional rendition of Toby’s 1993 breakout hit.
Before taking the stage, Blake Shelton gave a brief speech that expressed how “heartbroken and yet honored” he felt to be standing there remembering “a man who became one of the biggest country music stars of all time.”
“Toby was a big star in every way,” he continued. “…But in the end, the mark that Toby left was much more than just that. Toby was a loving husband to his beautiful wife Tricia. He was a proud father to their three kids. And we’re so honored and moved to have Tricia and the kids all here with us tonight.”
Toby Keith’s Family Issues Statement Thanking Jason Aldean For His “Perfect Tribute”
After the introduction, Jason Aldean took the stage with a string quartet and two acoustic guitarists. While photographs of Toby Keith flashed on the screen behind him, he sang the soulful lyrics that Toby personally penned over 3 decades ago.
Between the last two choruses, the quartet played an extended interlude while a photograph of Toby’s family showed on the screens. The camera panned to Toby’s wife and son, Stelen, who were moved to tears.
Following the show, Toby Keith’s family issued a statement thanking Jason Aldean for honoring the country music legend.
“The Covel family would like to thank Jason Aldean for the wonderfully touching performance at the ACM Awards tonight,” it read. “It was the perfect tribute to Toby Keith.”
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