Luke Bryan recently honored two significant figures in his life during NBC’s special, Toby Keith: American Icon, which aired on August 28. He paid tribute to Toby Keith, who passed away in February 2024 after fighting stomach cancer, as well as his late sister, Kelly, who unexpectedly died in 2007.
In a heartfelt performance, Bryan took the stage to sing Keith’s song “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Before starting, he shared the story behind a black cowboy hat he brought with him, revealing its deep personal connection. “This hat has been hanging in my closet for probably 15 years,” Bryan told the audience. “My sister down in Georgia bought me this hat when I was playing bars and doing about 10 Toby Keith songs a night. I used to wear this hat every night. Ever since I lost my sister, I haven’t put this hat onstage in a lot of years.”
He added, “I was walking out the house, and I said, ‘You know what? I’m just an old country boy from Georgia. Toby Keith certainly made me wanna be a cowboy. I’m gonna be a cowboy tonight,’” before launching into the performance. Keith was known for wearing a cowboy hat during his performances, making Bryan’s choice to wear one a fitting tribute.
In the wake of Keith’s death, Bryan expressed his sorrow on Instagram, stating, “Just…seeing the sad news in our country community. An iconic artist and a great man. Your songs turn every room into a good time.”
Toby Keith released “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” as his debut single in 1993, capturing the essence of the cowboy lifestyle and resonating with audiences for over three decades. Keith reflected on its impact during a 2007 Nashville event, recalling the moment he heard it on the radio while traveling to Kentucky, which he described as life-changing.
The special also featured performances from other artists, including Carrie Underwood and Lainey Wilson. Toby Keith: American Icon aired on NBC on Wednesday, August 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.