Trace Adkins Reflects on Toby Keith’s Patriotic Legacy, Delivering an Emotional Rendition of ‘American Soldier’

Adkins said, quoting Keith, “Never apologize for being patriotic,” from the platform.

On July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, Trace Adkins takes the stage at Bridgestone Arena. Image courtesy of Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Universal Music Group

In the two-hour NBC program Toby Keith: American Icon, Trace Adkins paid a moving homage to Toby Keith, recalling their many years of Traveling together and the significant iNFLuence Keith had via his patriotism.

Adkins was one of the few artists that really know Toby Keith and the man behind the scenes, having been friends with Keith for many years and going on tours with. Adkins paused to remember the poignant message that Keith conveyed at the conclusion of each of his live performances before giving an incredibly emotional and beautiful rendition of “American Solider” in honor of Keith and his dedication to the Military.

“I’ve known Toby for a very long time, and we did a lot of gigs together while on multiple tours together. I seem to recall that at the end of each performance he gave, he would always say, “Never apologize for being patriotic.” Every night, he said that, Adkins noted. And since, my God, he really did believe that, I realized while he was saying it that it was both a challenge to the rest of us and a window into Toby Keith’s personality.

Keith lived what he preached, and Adkins praised him for it. Keith had undertaken 11 USO Tours, performing in front of 256,000 soldiers and Military families in 18 nations at over 285 engagements.

“He had a deep-rooted love and respect for the men and women who have served this country.” It was real, authentic, and meaningful. With a rich, baritone voice, he remarked, “I always respected him so much for that.” “Toby is someone I could talk about all night, but for now I’ll just say that I’m glad I got to know him and call him a friend. We miss you, Toby. Thank you.

Trace Adkins performed “American Solider” in a terrifying manner a short while later. On the screen behind him, pictures of Toby Keith and his numerous USO Tours displayed during his performance. Toby Keith: American Icon gave a truly remarkable performance, and it was undoubtedly an emotional time.

Written by Keith and Chuck Cannon, “American Solider” was published in November 2003. It can be found on the album Hi Shock’n Y’all and has an RIAA Platinum certification.

Among the many famous country musicians that gave their all to pay tribute to the late Toby Keith was Trace Adkins. Priscilla Block, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brett Favre, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, HARDY, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Krystal Keith, Ella Langley, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Leanne Morgan, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker, and Lainey Wilson were among the performers and special guests on the two-hour special.

The special featured a variety of musical performances that showcased Keith’s amazing songwriting and music, but it also emphasized his kindness and generosity by supporting The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Families from both groups seemed to tell the stories of how they were helped and supported when things were really hard.

NBC broadcast Toby Keith: American Icon on Wednesday, August 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The next day, Peacock will offer the episode for streaming.

On February 5, 2024, the legendary country music performer Toby Keith departed from this life due to stomach cancer. He had an astounding 32 No. 1 hits over his career and sold an astounding 40 million albums.

Given that he has achieved a chart-topping hit for 20 years running, including “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American),” “I Love This Bar,” “Beer For My Horses,” and “As Good As I Once Was,” it should come as no surprise that he is considered one of country music’s biggest hitmakers.

In addition to being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (after being admitted into the all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015), he has been awarded the National Medal of Arts and the prestigious Merle Haggard Spirit Award by the Academy of Country Music.

The Oklahoma native won three BMI Country Songwriter of the Year awards over his career in addition to the BMI Icon Award. In 2006, his popular song “As Good As I Once Was” won BMI’s Country Song of the Year.

To date, Toby Keith’s music has received 100 million terrestrial radio spins and over 10 billion streaming.

Fans call Goldie Hawn, 78, “ugly” in swimsuit photos, Kurt Russell defends her, says she’s beautiful

With an unwavering sense of confidence, Goldie Hawn consistently dazzles her fans with grace, even in the face of online negativity. The actress acknowledges the realities of aging in Hollywood but remains unfazed by trolls and their hurtful remarks.

As one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures, Goldie, alongside her partner Kurt Russell, exudes a resilience that comes from decades in the spotlight. Delve deeper into why Goldie Hawn faces criticism online as we explore her remarkable journey!

Goldie Hawn stands as a formidable matriarch of a renowned acting dynasty, including Oliver (47), Kate Hudson (45), and Wyatt Russell (37). Her down-to-earth charm has secured her iconic roles in films such as “Private Benjamin” (1980), “Overboard” (1987) alongside Kurt Russell, her partner since 1983, and Steven Spielberg’s “The Sugarland Express” (1972).

Before meeting Russell, Goldie navigated through two divorces, opting to skip marriage with Russell in favor of a committed partnership. As she told Woman’s Day in 2007: “We’ve done perfectly fine without getting married. I feel committed already, isn’t that the essence of marriage?”

Kate Hudson, herself a Golden Globe nominee, praises their union, describing them as a perfect match. “Mom is a free spirit, always on the move, while Kurt cherishes his home and family”, she shared. “When they’re together, it’s a powerful dynamic”, she added, referring to their actor son and their strong family bond.

Goldie Hawn, with her trademark golden locks and enduring charm, remains radiant after over five decades in the limelight, embracing the natural process of aging. “Aging is part of life. Embracing it fully means recognizing life’s continuous transformations”, she shared with People. “Growing older? It means you’re still alive!”

Despite her positive outlook, Goldie Hawn acknowledges the ageism entrenched in Hollywood. “Women will always fight this battle”, she remarked to Bazaar. “You don’t expect Hollywood to embrace you when you hit forty-five and show them you’re still desirable and marketable. It’s a specific world”, she added, remaining unfazed by the industry’s narrow standards.

Though she embraces her age gracefully, Goldie Hawn isn’t immune to the onslaught of online abuse. Even during their idyllic 2022 getaway to Greece, where photos showed them enjoying the sun and sea, the internet wasn’t always kind. Critics criticized their appearance, dismissing their enduring love and confidence as they age gracefully.

Despite the negativity, many fans rallied around the couple, especially after their endearing appearances together in films like “The Christmas Chronicles,” where they portrayed Mr. and Mrs. Claus. “They look amazing! There will always be trolls, but their love shines through”, defended one supportive fan.

Goldie’s lifelong companion, Kurt Russell, has always been her staunchest supporter. Recalling their Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2017, where they received stars side by side, he declared his love publicly: “Goldie, I owe my incredible life to you. There’s no one else I’d rather be next to”, he affirmed, encapsulating their enduring bond.

At 78, Goldie Hawn continues to captivate and inspire, navigating fame and aging with grace. Share this story and let us know your thoughts.