On Thursday, May 16, country music’s brightest stars gathered in Frisco, Texas, for the 59th Annual ACM Awards—and what a night it was. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the evening delivered unforgettable performances, emotional tributes, and even a few surprises. Reba didn’t just steer the show—she took the stage herself to debut a brand-new song, “I Can’t.”
The lineup was stacked with fan favorites like Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, and Jason Aldean. While the artist roster was announced weeks ahead of time, most fans didn’t know what songs would be performed until just days before the big night. That added to the excitement—especially with Jelly Roll revealing he’d be debuting a brand-new track, and McEntire unveiling her latest single.
But one of the most powerful and talked-about moments came when Jason Aldean paid tribute to the late Toby Keith with a soul-stirring performance of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”
Aldean and Keith shared a close bond, especially in Toby’s final months. Just four months before Toby’s passing, the two friends stood side-by-side on stage in Oklahoma City. “There’s only one guy you think of when you come to Oklahoma City,” Aldean told the crowd that night. “So make some noise for… Toby Keith!” The two then performed “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” together—marking what would be their last duet.
When news broke in February that Toby had passed away, Aldean shared a heartfelt post on social media, remembering that special night. “Today is a sad day for country music and its fans,” he wrote. “Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all looked up to and respected.”
At the ACM Awards, Aldean brought that respect to the stage. He slowed the tempo of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” performing with a string quartet as images from Keith’s career filled the screens behind him. The performance was raw, emotional, and deeply personal.
Toby’s wife, Tricia, and their children—Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen—were all in attendance. As Aldean sang, the family was seen wiping away tears, visibly moved by the heartfelt tribute. While the kids made a joint public appearance at the CMT Awards in April, this marked the first time Toby’s wife had joined them in public since his passing.
Following the performance, the Keith family shared a message on social media that read:
“The Covel family would like to thank Jason Aldean for the wonderfully touching performance at the ACM Awards tonight. It was the perfect tribute to Toby Keith.”
It was a moment that reminded everyone watching just how deeply country music is rooted in friendship, legacy, and heartfelt storytelling. And for fans and family alike, Jason Aldean’s tribute will be remembered as one of the most meaningful highlights of the night.
