On Thursday, May 16, country music’s biggest stars gathered in Frisco, Texas, for the 59th Annual ACM Awards. Hosted by Reba McEntire, the evening was filled with memorable performances from artists such as Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Jason Aldean. Adding to the excitement, McEntire introduced a brand-new song to the audience.
While the list of performers had been announced beforehand, the setlists remained a mystery until just days before the event. It was later revealed that McEntire would be debuting her new track, I Can’t, while Jelly Roll was also set to introduce a fresh song.
One of the most anticipated moments of the night came with the announcement that Jason Aldean would be paying tribute to the late country icon Toby Keith.
Aldean and Keith shared a strong bond, especially in the final months of Keith’s life. In October, just four months before his passing, Keith made a surprise appearance on stage at Aldean’s concert in Oklahoma City. Addressing the crowd, Aldean introduced him by saying that when people think of Oklahoma City, there is only one name that comes to mind. The two then performed Should’ve Been A Cowboy together, a moment that would later hold even deeper significance.
Following Keith’s passing, Aldean shared his grief on social media, posting two photos from that night. He expressed his sadness, calling it a heartbreaking loss for country music and its fans. He described Keith as a towering presence in the industry, someone everyone admired and respected.
At the ACM Awards, Aldean honored his late friend with a heartfelt performance of Should’ve Been A Cowboy, arranged in a slowed-down, deeply emotional version accompanied by a string quartet. As images from Keith’s legendary career played across the screens behind him, the performance struck an emotional chord with the audience.
Keith’s wife, Tricia, and their children, Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen, attended the event, making their first public appearance together since his passing. As Aldean performed, they could be seen wiping away tears, visibly moved by the tribute.
After the event, the Keith family released a statement through his social media, expressing their gratitude to Aldean for the deeply touching tribute. They described the performance as the perfect way to honor Toby Keith’s memory.
Aldean’s tribute was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact Keith had on country music, ensuring that his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of fans and fellow artists for years to come.