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Legendary country music star Toby Keith died earlier this month at the age of 62 after a long battle with stomach cancer. Next, fellow country music singer Tim McGraw paid tribute to him with an incredibly emotional rendition of his song “Live Like You're Dying.”
Keith honors McGraw
Three days after Keith's death, McGraw paused his concert at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in Davie, Florida to dedicate one of his most beloved songs to Keith.
“Toby and I got to know each other pretty well early in our careers. We spent a lot of time on the bus. We played a few shows together…” McGraw began. “He was a really good guy. A great artist, and I always respected the way he did things his way and didn't care what anyone thought.”
“So bear with me if I can't get through this. You guys help me,” he added as he became visibly emotional. “But I want to dedicate this song to Toby and his family.”
The audience exploded with thunderous applause as the band began opening with “Live Like You're Dying.” McGraw was so choked up that he found himself unable to sing, so he held his microphone up to the audience to let them lead the song's opening lyrics.
Watch the powerful performance for yourself in the video below.
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McGraw's previous tribute to Keith
McGraw also took to social media to honor Keith after his death on February 5.
“Our self-titled debut came out on the same day, April 20, 1993. Toby and I spent a lot of time together early in our careers,” McGraw wrote on Instagram. “We had a lot of good times and conversations about what we wanted from our careers and our lives.”
“He was a maverick,” he added. He did things his way, on his terms, and he is a true artist. I have always and will always have great respect for his art, dedication and courage to do his work. We will all miss you, brother.”
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Shout out to Keith pouring in
Fans were shocked when Keith's family announced his passing the morning after his death.
Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night on February 5 surrounded by his family. “He fought his battle with grace and courage,” they said in a statement. “Please respect his family’s privacy at this time.”
Since then, other tributes have poured in for Keith as well.
“Toby Keith was a patriot, and he didn’t care who had a problem with it,” country music star John Rich told Fox News.
Rich later added: “I woke up to the terrible news that our friend and legend @tobykeith has passed away from cancer.” Social media. He was a true patriot, a first-class singer-songwriter, and a larger-than-life man. We will miss him very much.”
Blake Shelton, who has helped Keith's career for decades, also paid tribute to Keith.
“Even though I have known about your battle over the past few months, I never imagined this day,” he said, according to NBC News. “Anyone who knows you knows what I mean. You were the toughest man I've ever met. Thank you, brother, for being a friend, a hero, and an inspiration. There will never be another Toby Keith.”
Keith was a true legend, and there will never be anyone like him. What do you think about McGraw's tribute to him? Let us know in the comments section.
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