Trace Adkins Sings “American Soldier” In Compelling Tribute To Toby Keith
(Main Photo) Getty Images for Universal Music / (Circle Inlay) Kevin Winter / ACMA2014 / Getty Images for ACM
Country Artists Remember Toby Keith During Charity Benefit Show In Nashville
Trace Adkins united with some all-star country artists to honor and remember the late Toby Keith during a charity benefit concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024. The concert, called Toby Keith: American Icon, was held in tribute to Keith, who died on February 5, 2024, following a battle with stomach cancer.
A portion of ticket sales supported the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral, a cost-free residence for pediatric cancer patients and their families while the child receives medical care. Additionally, ticket sales helped support the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Brantley Gilbert, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Adkins, and many other country singers participated in the event. Keith’s daughter, Krystal Keith, was also in the lineup.
RELATED: CARRIE UNDERWOOD SINGS “SHOULD’VE BEEN A COWBOY” IN OPRY TRIBUTE TO TOBY KEITH
Those who could not attend the Toby Keith: American Icon show in person got the chance to see it on TV. NBC broadcast the concert as a two-hour special on August 28, 2024, at 9 PM ET.
The show re-aired on NBC nearly one year later, on August 27, 2025.
Trace Adkins Performs Tribute To His Friend Toby Keith
Trace Adkins was one of Toby Keith’s closest friends in the industry. After Keith died, Adkins honored him in a tribute on social media, writing:
“It takes a Hall of Fame songwriter to leave me at a loss for words. We had some times. Rest easy, Dawg.”
Because of their close connection, Adkins signed up to perform during the Toby Keith: American Icon benefit concert. He delivered a compelling tribute, opting to sing “American Soldier” in Keith’s honor.
Before he sang, Adkins recognized Keith’s unwavering patriotism, telling the audience:
“I just remember that every show he ever did, he always…the last thing he said before he walked off the stage was, ‘Never apologize for being patriotic.’ He said it every time…I knew when he was saying it that it was a challenge to the rest of us, but also, it was a look inside who Toby Keith was, because by God he believed that.”
Trace continued:
“The love and respect that he had for the men and women that served this country, it was marrow deep. It was profound. It was genuine. It was real. And I always respected him so much for that. It wasn’t a show.“
Adkins also fought back tears as he said, “I could talk all night about Toby, but I’m just gonna say that I was proud to have known him and call him a friend. Thanks Dog. I miss you.”
We knew Trace Adkins would deliver the perfect tribute to his good pal Toby Keith.
