Toby Keith Accepts Country Icon Award At First-Ever People’s Choice Country Awards

Congratulations are in order for Toby Keith who was honored with the Country Icon Award at Thursday night’s first-ever People’s Choice Country Awards.

The Country Icon Award was an opportunity to recognize Toby Keith for his decades-long career as a singer, songwriter, humanitarian and entrepreneur. Toby Keith’s fellow Oklahoman, Blake Shelton, was on-hand to present the award and deliver a heartfelt tribute.

“We’re overjoyed to honor legendary artist Toby Keith with the first-ever “Country Icon” Award,” said Cassandra Tryon, Senior Vice President, Entertainment Live Events, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “As a talented songwriter and powerhouse performer, Keith has touched the hearts of fans across the globe. His illustrious career and passion for philanthropy has cemented his place as an icon in country music history.”

Toby accepted the trophy from Blake Shelton and started his short but sweet acceptance speech by joking that he bet nobody ever expected to see him in skinny jeans. He then thanked “the Almighty,” his family and everyone who has played a role in his career. He concluded by thanking his fans.

Held at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, the People’s Choice Country Awards also marked Toby Keith’s first televised performance since his stomach cancer diagnosis in the fall of 2021.

Toby took the stage to sing “Don’t Let The Old Man In,” a song that was inspired by a conversation he had with acting legend Clint Eastwood. In a 2018 press conference, Keith recalled meeting Eastwood on a California golf course and the conversation that followed.

Toby Keith’s performance was met with enthusiasm as the crowd, filled with fans and many of Music City’s biggest stars, sang along.

One week ago Toby Keith announced a new album titled 100% Songwriter.

100% Songwriter features 13 songs solely written by Keith. The 62-year-old’s country music career has spanned three decades and he has seen incredible success as a singer, songwriter and entrepreneur. But, his songwriting credits are what “carries the deepest meaning” for him, a press release for the album says.

This new album gives Toby Keith fans an opportunity to celebrate Toby’s songwriting achievements and relive some of his biggest hits with songs such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “He Ain’t Worth Missin’,” “Who’s That Man,” “Crash Here Tonight” and more.

Watch Toby Keith accept the People’s Choice Country Awards Country Icon trophy in the video below.