Country star and former The voice Coach Blake Shelton benefited from Toby Keith’s mentorship early in his music career and shared his insights into their friendship during the NBC broadcast Toby Keith: An American Icon especially. Read on to find out what Shelton said during his brief but powerful video appearance.
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How Toby Keith helped young Blake Shelton
“When I was an up-and-coming artist in the music industry, Toby was the first major artist to give me a chance,” Shelton said in a pre-taped segment during the show.
Shelton speculated that Keith liked him because he was “a fellow Oklahoman,” meaning someone from Oklahoma. Shelton was born in Ada, Oklahoma, and now owns a farm there with Gwen Stefani; Keith was from Clinton.
“I looked up to Toby and learned a lot from him. Once you were in (that friendship), you were a member for life,” Shelton continued, adding, “There will never be another Toby Keith.”
He has shared this sentiment before. After Keith died of stomach cancer in February 2024, Shelton shared on social media: “Although I have known about your struggle over the past few months, I never imagined this day. Anyone who knew you knows what I mean. You were the toughest man I have ever met. Thank you brother for being a friend, a hero and an inspiration. There will never be another Toby Keith.”
Blake Shelton’s kind words for Toby Keith
At the 2024 ACM Awards, Shelton delivered a heartfelt speech in Keith’s honor. “As a friend, fan and fellow Okie, I am heartbroken and yet honored to stand here tonight to remember a man who became one of the greatest country music stars of all time: the late, great Toby Keith,” he said via parade.
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He continued: “Toby was a huge star in every way… But in the end, Toby left a much bigger mark than that: Toby was a loving husband to his beautiful wife Tricia. He was a proud father to their three children and we are so honored and moved to have Tricia and the children here with us tonight.”
Keith’s family was also present at the American icon recording where country superstars performed in his honor.
