Toby Keith Honored As The 2024 CMHOF Modern Era Inductee

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The Country Music Hall of Fame announces the Class of 2024 Inductees

On Monday (March 18) the Country Music Hall of Fame (CMHOF) revealed the new class of inductees that would join an illustrious family of musicians before them. The ceremony, which was live-streamed on YouTube, was hosted by Hall of Fame members Brooks & Dunn.

Each year, the CMHOF honors inductees in three categories: Modern Era, Veterans Era, and a rotating category. This year, the rotating category recognized a Recording and/or Touring Musician.

CMHOF selects the 2024 Modern Era Inductee

According to the Hall of Fame website, the Modern Era inductee is eligible 20 years after they reach national prominence. Recent past inductees in this category include Patty Loveless (2023), Keith Whitley (2022), The Judds (2021), Marty Stuart (2020), and Brooks & Dunn (2019).

The 2024 Modern Era Inductee is… Toby Keith!

Toby Keith’s career is certainly one worth celebrating. He earned 20 #1 songs and 22 additional top 10 hits throughout his career, won countless awards, and was a member the Songwriters Halls of Fame in Oklahoma, New York, and Nashville. His music celebrates the love of country and family and continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

As Ronnie Dunn put it, “Few artists have had bigger careers than Toby Keith.”

Toby Keith’s son, Stelen Covel, accepts the honor on his late father’s behalf.

In the emotional moment, Stelen shared:

“On behalf of my whole family, we want to thank the Hall of Fame. It’s an honor to stand here and represent my father. He’s an amazing man, husband, father, and artist. I just want to thank everybody for being here.”

Toby Keith was confirmed at the Modern Era Inductee just a few hours after news broke of his death.

Typically, the Hall of Fame does not allow candidates to be eligible for induction the year after their death to avoid sympathy voting. However, since the final ballot closed on Friday, February 2nd, just three days before Toby Keith passed away, his eligibility remained intact.

Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, shared that they received final results on Tuesday, February 6th, just a “few hours” after Toby Keith’s family shared the heartbreaking news that he had lost his battle with stomach cancer the day prior.

“My heart sank that afternoon knowing that we had missed the opportunity to inform Toby while he was still with us, but I have no doubt that he is smiling down on us knowing that he will alway be ‘as good as he once was.'”

Huge congratulations to Toby Keith and the other 2024 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees! Watch the video below to see the full CMHOF Induction Ceremony including Toby Keith’s celebration.