Jelly Roll was not only a fan of Toby Keith, but he was inspired by the legend’s music like so many others. The country newcomer shared his grief publicly after Keith died on Feb. 5, sharing a cover of one of Keith’s biggest hits.
“We covered ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’ at every show last year,” Jelly Roll writes in a tribute on his Instagram stories. “Toby inspired millions and I was one of them. RIP.”
One fan posted video of Jelly Roll covering the ’90s hit from one of his 2023 Backroad Baptism Tour stops. His rendition is spot on compared to the original. He brings the same grit in his voice and energy to the song that Keith did.
Jelly Roll doesn’t have a tour lined up for 2024 yet, but it’s likely that he’ll keep Keith’s song in his setlist for the festival dates he has scheduled. His cover will certainly have a more somber note to it in the future.
Other Toby Keith Tributes
The country music community has been coming out in droves to honor the late Keith. It seems that artists at just about every level have been inspired by Keith somehow.
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In addition to heartfelt words on social media, there have been some other musical tributes. Luke Combs also covered “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” during a show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday (Feb. 6), just one day after Keith died.
How Did Toby Keith Die?
The “American Soldier” singer was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021. He died on Feb. 5. According to a statement on his social media, he died “peacefully, “surrounded by family. He was 62 years old.
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Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
Toby Keith’s Sweetest Photos With His Wife, Tricia Lucus
In 1984, Toby Keith married his love Tricia Lucus after three years of dating, and the couple remained together for the rest of his life. Over the years, they raised three children together. Keith adopted Tricia’s daughter Shelley, who was born from a previous relationship, and they welcomed a daughter named Krystal and a son named Stelen. Take a look back at the couple’s sweetest moments together through the years.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
See Photos From Toby Keith’s Final Shows in Las Vegas
Toby Keith played three shows to a sold-out crowd at Las Vegas’ Dolby Park on Dec. 10, Dec. 11 and Dec. 14, 2024. These shows would turn out to be his last. Amid his ongoing stomach cancer battle, the country legend died on Feb. 6 at the age of 62.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
Toby Keith’s 20 Best Songs Prove He’s a Country Icon
Here are his greatest hits — the top songs from 19 studio albums and beyond.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
22 Photos of Toby Keith Young
Toby Keith was one of the most influential artists in country music history, with a career spanning from the mid 1990s all the way until his death in 2024. Let’s take a walk back in time and see pictures of Toby Keith young.
Gallery Credit: Evan Paul