The 59th Annual ACM Awards on May 16, 2024, in Frisco, Texas, brought together some of country music’s biggest stars for a memorable night of music and tribute. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the ceremony featured stunning performances from artists like Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Jason Aldean, among others.
Reba wowed the crowd with a performance of her new song, “I Can’t,” while Jelly Roll debuted his heartfelt track, “Liar.”
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Jason Aldean took the stage to honor the late Toby Keith, who passed away just months before the ceremony. Aldean, who had a close friendship with Keith, shared a powerful tribute to the country icon by performing “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” – a song they had last performed together in October 2023.
Jason had previously posted on social media about the loss of his friend, reflecting on their memorable performance in Oklahoma City just months earlier. At the ACMs, with Toby’s family in the front row, Aldean slowed the song down and was joined by a string quartet, adding a layer of emotion to the performance. The large screen behind him displayed photos of Toby throughout his remarkable career.
Toby’s wife, Tricia, and children Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen were visibly moved, wiping away tears as the tribute unfolded. This was the family’s first public appearance together since Toby’s passing, with Tricia making her first appearance alongside her children at this event.
Following the tribute, the Covel family shared a heartfelt message on Toby’s social media accounts, thanking Jason Aldean for the emotional performance and calling it the perfect tribute to Toby Keith.
