Toby Keith to Be Remembered With a CMT Special

CMT is set to tribute the life and legacy of Toby Keith with a television special. Airing Thursday night (Feb. 8), the special will be called CMT Remembers: Toby Keith.

According to a trailer clip posted to the network's social media, the TV event will take an in-depth look into who Keith was, examining his songs and the stories behind him as well as the spirit, patriotism and renegade independence he brought to country music.

"He was one of country music's biggest stars, but he was much more than that," a voiceover details in the clip. "He was a symbol of the American pride and spirit that filled his songs. Join us as we say goodbye to Toby Keith."

The announcement of the special comes just a few days after news broke that Keith died on Monday (Feb. 5.) CMT Remembers: Toby Keith will air on Thursday night at 8PM ET on CMT.

How Did Toby Keith Die?

Keith died on Feb. 5 at the age of 62, according to a statement shared to his website and social media pages.

He had been battling stomach cancer for over two years, a diagnosis he shared with fans in summer 2022. Though he took time off to undergo treatment and rest, he vowed to return to the stage whenever possible. He kept that promise with a series of Oklahoma pop-up shows, a televised performance of "Don't Let the Old Man In" at the People's Choice Country Awards and three sold-out shows in Las Vegas in December.

Keith is survived by his Tricia Lucus, his wife of almost 40 years, and their three children, Shelley, Krystal and Stelen. He is also survived by multiple grandchildren and extended family.

Toby Keith Dies: Jason Aldean, Luke Combs + More Stars React

Toby Keith died at the age of 62 on Monday (Feb. 5) after a battle with stomach cancer. His death left the country music community mourning one of its most influential figures and talented songwriters. Here are some of the tributes and memories artists shared as they grieved Keith's passing.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

22 Photos of Toby Keith Young

Toby Keith was one of the most influential artists in country music history, with a career spanning from the mid 1990s all the way until his death in 2024. Let's take a walk back in time and see pictures of Toby Keith young.

Gallery Credit: Evan Paul

Toby Keith's Sweetest Photos With His Wife, Tricia Lucus

In 1984, Toby Keith married his love Tricia Lucus after three years of dating, and the couple remained together for the rest of his life. Over the years, they raised three children together. Keith adopted Tricia's daughter Shelley, who was born from a previous relationship, and they welcomed a daughter named Krystal and a son named Stelen. Take a look back at the couple's sweetest moments together through the years.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

See Photos From Toby Keith's Final Shows in Las Vegas

Toby Keith played three shows to a sold-out crowd at Las Vegas' Dolby Park on Dec. 10, Dec. 11 and Dec. 14, 2024. These shows would turn out to be his last. Amid his ongoing stomach cancer battle, the country legend died on Feb. 6 at the age of 62.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

Toby Keith's 20 Best Songs Prove He's a Country Icon

Toby Keith reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart 20 times during his 30-plus year career, but some of this best songs were deep cuts.

Here are his greatest hits — the top songs from 19 studio albums and beyond.

Toby Keith died on Feb. 5, 2024 after a two-year battle with stomach cancer.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

Source: Toby Keith to Be Remembered With a CMT Special

Filed Under: toby keith