Some of country music’s brightest and best turned out to pay tribute to the singer and songwriter including Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker and Lainey Wilson. Others who appeared on the show were newcomers Priscilla Block and Ella Langley, Toby’s daughter, Krystal Keith, his frequent collaborators Scotty Emerick and Mac McAnally, comedian Leanne Morgan and former NFL-er Brett Favre.

But the night was about more than music. Artists shared stories and memories of Toby, reminding the audience of his character and his enthusiasm for supporting emerging artists. Fans were also treated to never-before-seen footage of Toby’s last studio session with Hardy for the Hixtape Volume 3 collection.

When Luke Bryan took the stage, he wore something special to sing “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” — a cowboy hat that his sister Kelly got him before she passed away in 2007.

She once told him that if he was going to be singing all those Toby Keith songs, he’d better look the part.

Luke decided that tonight would be the perfect night to bring that old cowboy hat back on stage. He said that he hadn’t worn it on stage since Kelly passed. She and Toby undoubtedly loved watching that moment from up above.

Luke, you…”Should’ve Been a Cowboy!”

@hanleyriggs @Luke Bryan “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” moment and special shout out to his late sister. 🤍 #tobykeith #tobykeithamericanicon ♬ original sound – Hanley Riggs