Photo: Submitted: Bud Light
Zach Bryan paid tribute to late country music icon Toby Keith during a show over the weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Grammy Award-winning artist took the stage at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan, where he included Keith’s early 2000s anthem “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” in his set. The audience cheered and loudly sang along as Bryan honored his fellow Oklahoma native over the weekend. Bryan’s performance before an intimate crowd, as part of the Bud Light Backyard Tour, also included “Nine Ball,” “Hey Driver” and “Something in the Orange.” The show took place weeks before Bryan kicks off his headlining “Quittin’ Time Tour” with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Turnpike Troubadours, Sheryl Crow, Sierra Ferrell and others. Bryan, who was in the Navy for eight years, said during the show that he'll match donations made via Bud Light sales on his tour to support Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide “educational scholarships to the children and spouses of America’s fallen or disabled service-members and first responders.”
Keith died last week following a battle with stomach cancer in the final years of his life. He was 62. Keith announced in June 2022 that he’d been diagnosed with cancer and would take time off with his family to rest and recover. A statement posted to his social media channels in the early morning hours on February 6 reads: “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
The statement prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and the country music community as they mourned Keith’s loss. Keith is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Tricia Lucus, and his children, Shelley Covel Rowland, Stelen Keith Covel and Krystal Keith, and grandchildren. Stelen and Krystal both posted tributes to their late father. The family confirmed that they will host a private funeral service for Keith’s family, band and crew this month, per a statement posted over the weekend. A memorial service to honor him will be announced at a later date.