Krystal shares how Toby’s music helps her cope with grief ahead of tribute concert
As fans get ready to honor Toby Keith in a special tribute concert, his daughter, Krystal Keith, shares how her father’s music has been a comforting presence since his passing.
Toby Keith, who died in February at 62 after a battle with stomach cancer, left behind a legacy of songs that Krystal and her daughters, Kirby, 5, and Hensley, 8, listen to regularly to feel connected to him.
Krystal, who will perform “Don’t Let the Old Man In” during the Toby Keith: American Icon tribute on NBC tonight, admits that deciding to join the concert wasn’t easy.
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The song, which her father performed during his last public appearance, holds deep emotional meaning. Krystal initially hesitated, knowing how hard it would be to get through such a poignant track without breaking down. But in the end, she felt it was the right way to honor her dad.
The tribute concert, which was filmed in Nashville, features performances by country music stars like Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and Ashley McBryde.
Krystal acknowledges that while her father wasn’t one to seek out the spotlight, he would have been touched by the event.
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The show, which includes a bar on stage, a huge American flag, and military involvement, was designed to reflect Toby Keith’s life and values. For Krystal, the concert is more than just a tribute; it’s a way to keep her father’s memory alive while also giving back.
A portion of the ticket sales will go to The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, causes that were important to Toby.
Krystal says that her father’s music has been a lifeline for her during her grief. Inspired by Ashley Campbell, who spoke about the comfort of having her father Glen Campbell’s music to turn to, Krystal tries to focus on the gratitude she feels for having so much of her dad preserved in his songs.
She misses her father every day, especially during unexpected moments when she finds herself in a small-town bar, a setting her dad loved. But she and her siblings are supporting each other and their mom, Tricia, to get through this tough time.
Krystal is confident that her father knew his family would be okay. If she could tell him anything now, it would be just that—that they’re all doing fine, just as he said they would.
Toby Keith: American Icon airs tonight on NBC from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT and will be available to stream on Peacock starting tomorrow.
