Toby Keith’s Family Issues Statement Following CMHOF Induction Announcement

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Following the recent announcement of Toby Keith‘s upcoming induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, his family has released a statement regarding the prestigious honor.

Toby Keith’s Family Speaks Out

Each year, the CMHOF maintains its tradition of recognizing excellence in country music, dividing honorees into three categories: Modern Era, Veterans Era, and a rotating category.

Within the Modern Era category, which honors artists who gained national recognition at least two decades prior to their induction, Toby Keith has emerged as the latest addition to this exclusive group, further solidifying his position as an icon of country music.

Toby Keith, who’s birth name is Toby Keith Covel, passed away on February 5 after a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 62. Following the news of his induction, the Covel family issued a statement expressing their gratitude.

They stated, “Toby’s passing left our hearts broken. We miss him so much, but we take comfort that his music and legacy will live forever. Thank you, Country Music Hall of Fame, for helping keep it alive.”

During the reveal of the Hall Of Fame Class of 2024, Keith’s son, Stelen Covel, accepted the honor on his behalf, expressing thanks from him and Keith’s entire family.

“On behalf of my whole family, we want to thank the Hall of Fame,” Stelen said. “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 Inducted Posthumously

Toby Keith is set to receive a posthumous induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame during the institution’s ceremony scheduled for October. The selection process for the 2024 Class began last year, starting with the distribution of a preliminary ballot to Hall of Fame voters before Christmas. The final ballot opened in February and closed shortly after. Despite the usual policy of the institution against posthumous inductions in the same year as an artist’s passing, Toby Keith remained eligible for induction due to the timing of the voting process. Although Keith himself never received the news of his impending induction, his family will accept this honor on his behalf, ensuring that he will forever be remembered as a legend in the history of country music.

See the full CMHOF Induction Ceremony, including Toby Keith’s honor below.