While in the audience at the CMT Awards, Toby Keith’s family watched on as country music honored the late singer.
Trish, Stelen, Shelly, and Krystal watched with tears in their eyes as Keith’s friends sang some of his most popular songs. At the end of the tribute, the entire venue held red solo cups in their hands for as Roger Clemens led the final toast to the legendary country singer.
Toby Keith’s only son, Stelen, spoke out for the first time since his father’s passing back in February.
Stelen took to Instagram on February 8 to share a heartbreaking message, writing about how great of a man his father was. As Mamas Uncut previously reported, although Keith was largely known for being one of the most successful country music artists in recent time, he was first and foremost a husband and father of three.
In his post, Stelen called his father “the strongest man I have ever known. A fighter. A true titan of your industry. My guiding star. My coach. My hero. An embodiment of the American Spirit.”
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“You are a man whose strength, prowess, and talent could only be trumped by his ability to be a father and husband,” Stelen continued. “Your impact is forever stamped on the world and on millions of people, yet not one person knew you the way I did. You were my biggest champion and the guiding light in my darkest times. The best mentor a man could ask for.”
“You held a passion that was greater than mountains and it radiates through every lyric and chord. In the everlasting echo from the legacy of your music, you leave me strength and faith to lean on in the silence that follows. You truly did it your way, from the starting gates to the finish line, and never apologized for it.”
Stelen added, “The only thing I truly ever wanted in life was to make you proud. I promise I will continue to make you proud. It’s not goodbye forever; it’s just goodbye for now. I love you cowboy.”
In a 2010 interview with People, Toby opened up about being a family man. “I was raised by good parents and I have great kids,” he said. “They all grew up with me being successful, but they are not hooked on that part of the business.”
Our thoughts and prayers remain with Toby Keith’s family during this difficult time.
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