(LibertySociety.com) – Toby Keith’s daughter, Krystal Keith, delivered a powerful speech to the 2024 graduates of the University of Oklahoma as she accepted his honorary degree on May 11. She recalled her father’s excited reaction when he heard the news last year, noting that he joked about not having to work as hard as she did to earn her degree from the same school. Keith died from stomach cancer in February.
The country megastar’s daughter discussed her father’s gritty work ethic in the face of adversity and his commitment to teaching his children the value of being an American. She told the crowd that her father taught her to “Never apologize for being patriotic” while highlighting the time he spent working with the United Service Organizations (USO).
Krystal Keith revealed that her father’s nickname was “Captain America” as she recounted his performances for deployed troops in some of the most dangerous locations. She delivered words of encouragement to the graduates as she recalled her father’s sheer determination to succeed, noting that he refused to give up no matter how hard the industry worked against him.
Just one month after his death, the Country Music Association (CMA) announced that Keith would finally be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 20. The 6-foot-4 singer and songwriter had multiple No. 1 Billboard hit songs, including “As Good As I Once Was” and “How Do You Like Me Now?!’” He performed for three United States presidents, including former President Donald Trump, who awarded him the National Medal of the Arts in 2021 just before leaving office.
On May 16, the Academy of Country Music honored Keith with a performance by country music star Jason Aldean at its annual awards ceremony. Aldean performed Keith’s hit song “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Keith’s family was moved to tears as they watched Aldean from the audience. Later that night, Keith’s official account on X, formerly Twitter, thanked Aldean for his honorary performance.
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