We just got to witness one country music legend honor another, though the occasion was a little bitter sweet.
It all happened at a Tim McGraw concert.
If you’re a country fan, then chances are you’ve heard of Toby Keith.
The man’s a legend, and has been since his debut in 1993.
Keith is a good old-fashioned, patriotic, country-loving man. That’s the mindset deep in the heart of country music, and it lent itself to his artistry quite a bit.
Between 1993 and now, Keith released 19 studio albums.
The man produced a lot of music, and you can’t do that if you’re not as passionate as he is.
Of course, he had countless loving fans and friends in the country scene – one of whom was none other than Tim McGraw.
Keith passed on February 5th, 2024. The “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” singer battled stomach cancer for 2 years.
He first received the diagnosis in 2021, and underwent stressful sessions of chemotherapy.
Cancer has a horrible track record of taking away loved ones, and no doubt millions of people loved Keith beyond his own family.
The loss of Keith was a painful blow to his fans and friends alike.
The country scene lost a really bright star, and Tim McGraw wanted to pay his respects.
“No matter how much time we think we have on this Earth, I can promise you that most of us have less than we think we do,” he said, mourning Keith on stage
McGraw’s connection to Keith went beyond simple respect and admiration.
Toby Keith’s first album released on April 20th, 1993. The same month as Tim McGraw’s first album.
In a way, their careers were born at the same time.
I have no doubt how much Keith meant to Mcgraw. The two were closer than you could imagine.
They toured together, hung out, and played basketball together.
McGraw and Keith were friends through and through.
And being someone’s friend for 30 years makes losing them hurt that much more.
McGraw needed to let out his love and his grief, and he did it in the best way he knew how – through music.
In front of this huge crowd, McGraw chose to perform Live Like You Were Dying.
There couldn’t be a more perfect song. It tells the story of someone learning of their cancer diagnosis and choosing to spend the time they have left the best way they can.
Must be hard to sing at a time like this, but that makes it hit so much harder.
And McGraw did a fantastic job.
He poured his emotion and dedication into it like Keith was watching and the crowd got to partake in this bittersweet tribute with him.
Cancer sucks, and we’ve all been there. Keith isn’t going to be the last one that cancer takes, and a cure hasn’t been found yet.
Take that a reminder to always cherish the time you have to yourself and with your loved ones.
Watch Tim McGraw pay his respects to Toby Keith in the video below!
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