Norman, OK — Sammy Hagar, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member known as the Red Rocker, acknowledged feeling a bit out of his element as he hosted the Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic in Norman. The longtime entertainer said backstage at Riverwind Casino that, despite decades in the spotlight, he wanted to speak from the heart rather than deliver scripted remarks.
With Hagar serving as emcee, the Toby Keith Foundation fundraiser — which includes a Friday night gala at Riverwind and a Saturday golf tournament at Belmar Golf Club, both in Norman — raised about $1.4 million this year for the OK Kids Korral, the charity’s home-away-from-home for children undergoing cancer treatment in Oklahoma City. That total trails last year’s $3.1 million, which included the establishment of an endowment, but continues Toby Keith’s legacy of supporting families facing childhood cancer.
Keith, the Oklahoma native whose songs became a soundtrack for many, died Feb. 5, 2024, at age 62 after a battle with stomach cancer. His daughter Krystal Keith spoke with The Oklahoman about his impact, saying his music felt like more than songs — it was a persona that resonated as part of people’s lives. “His music became the literal background music of their life,” she said, adding that the enduring reach of Keith’s work persists well beyond his passing.
The two-hour NBC special, Toby Keith: American Icon, will re-air at 8 p.m. on Aug. 27, a year after its prior broadcast became NBC’s most-watched non-holiday program of 2024. The program is also available to stream on Peacock and features performances by Krystal Keith, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Ashley McBryde, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson and others, celebrating the Norman-based superstar’s catalog.
Keith’s influence on popular culture continues to echo in the music world. EDM-infused remix duo VAVO released a remix of Keith’s 1993 breakout “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” expanding the cross-genre appeal of his work. Riley Green added his own interpretation of the same hit for Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Toby Keith Covered, a collection that also includes takes by Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney and more, and has drawn millions of streams since its debut.
Keith’s wife, Tricia Covel, expressed her appreciation for the fundraiser and for Hagar’s involvement. Wearing a shirt bearing “WWTD” — “What would Toby do?” — Covel called Hagar a close friend and recalled his enthusiastic kickoff to the live auction. Hagar opened bidding with a $10,000 donation from the Hagar Family Foundation, inviting the audience to match him. Pledges surged, with more than $100,000 raised in the first two minutes and the segment ultimately bringing in well over $600,000.
Backed by the Atlanta-based band Party on the Moon, Hagar performed a short set for about 1,000 attendees gathered to support the OK Kids Korral. He sang Smith’s rendition of Keith’s “I Love This Bar,” followed by “Finish What Ya Started” and a quick collaboration moment with Krystal Keith on “I Can’t Drive 55.” Hagar reflected on his memories of Keith from earlier collaboration and friendship, noting he was moved by Keith’s generosity toward children and the deeper mission of the OK Kids Korral.
During a backstage reminiscence, Hagar recalled visiting the OK Kids Korral during a 2017 Tour stop when he joined Keith on Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar. He described Keith personally showing him around the facility at that visit and emphasized his commitment to keeping the charity’s work alive after Keith’s passing.
The Toby Keith Foundation’s ongoing work with the OK Kids Korral remains a cornerstone of Keith’s legacy, offering families a stable, supportive space during a difficult time. Organizers and supporters continue to rally around the cause, ensuring that Keith’s mission endures beyond his lifetime.
Summary: Sammy Hagar hosted the Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic in Norman, helping raise about $1.4 million for the OK Kids Korral, with Toby Keith’s legacy live on through NBC’s American Icon special and a stream of posthumous tributes in music and charity. The event showcased enduring admiration for Keith, his family, and the children helped by the foundation.
Additional note for readers: The night’s momentum highlighted how charitable events tied to a beloved artist can sustain community support and inspire continued involvement from fans and fellow musicians alike, keeping Keith’s message of compassion and resilience at the forefront. The OK Kids Korral remains a model of family-centered care for kids facing cancer, a cause that continues to gain momentum through fundraising and public awareness.