Toby Keith’s Daughter To Accept Honorary OU Degree On His Behalf

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Toby Keith will be honored with an honorary degree from the University of Oklahoma

Last fall, legendary singer, songwriter, performer, and philanthropist Toby Keith learned that the University of Oklahoma (OU) would honor him at its spring 2024 commencement ceremony.

Although Keith did not personally attend OU as a student, he was a native Oklahoman and a lifelong fan and supporter of the university. The affinity ran in the family, and all three of the late musician’s children attended OU for their education.

Keith’s youngest daughter, Krystal, reflected on the time when she was making college plans and recalled:

“When I was choosing, he told me ‘You can go anywhere in the world you want to go, as long as it’s in Norman, OK, and has division 1 football.’”

However, Toby Keith’s battle with stomach cancer prevented him from accepting the degree in person, as he tragically passed away on February 5, 2024.

 

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Krystal Keith will accept the honorary degree on her father’s behalf

Krystal Keith will attend the OU commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11th, to accept the posthumous degree. Krystal shared of her father’s love for the university, saying:

“His passion started as far back as when he was 12 and 13 years old and worked in the stadium selling cokes just so he could see the games. For as long as I can remember, he took us to every bowl game no matter what his work schedule was. And he was on the sidelines of nearly all the different OU sporting events. He bled Crimson and Cream.”

Toby Keith will be honored alongside activist Barabara Ann Posey Jones, business mogul Tom E. Love, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient David Proctor. OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. said of the recipients:

“Through their exceptional talents, transformative leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving others, each of this year’s Honorary Degree recipients has left an indelible mark on the world. Their profound dedication has touched countless lives, and we take great pride in conferring the university’s highest honor upon them.”

OU Football honors Toby Keith

Last month, the University of Oklahoma football team unveiled a special tribute to the country music icon. They showed their lasting appreciation for Toby Keith by painting his name and image on the 25-yard line in their signature crimson and cream colors. See it below!

 

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