Trace Adkins Reflects on Toby Keith’s Patriotic Legacy, Delivering an Emotional Rendition of ‘American Soldier’

Adkins said, quoting Keith, “Never apologize for being patriotic,” from the platform.

On July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, Trace Adkins takes the stage at Bridgestone Arena. Image courtesy of Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Universal Music Group

In the two-hour NBC program Toby Keith: American Icon, Trace Adkins paid a moving homage to Toby Keith, recalling their many years of traveling together and the significant influence Keith had via his patriotism.

Adkins was one of the few artists that really know Toby Keith and the man behind the scenes, having been friends with Keith for many years and going on tours with. Adkins paused to remember the poignant message that Keith conveyed at the conclusion of each of his live performances before giving an incredibly emotional and beautiful rendition of “American Solider” in honor of Keith and his dedication to the military.

Trace Adkins performs onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
On July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, Trace Adkins takes the stage at Bridgestone Arena. Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Universal Music Group took this picture.

“I’ve known Toby for a very long time, and we did a lot of gigs together while on multiple tours together. I seem to recall that at the end of each performance he gave, he would always say, “Never apologize for being patriotic.” Every night, he said that, Adkins noted. And since, my God, he really did believe that, I realized while he was saying it that it was both a challenge to the rest of us and a window into Toby Keith’s personality.

Keith lived what he preached, and Adkins praised him for it. Keith had undertaken 11 USO Tours, performing in front of 256,000 soldiers and military families in 18 nations at over 285 engagements.

“He had a deep-rooted love and respect for the men and women who have served this country.” It was real, authentic, and meaningful. With a rich, baritone voice, he remarked, “I always respected him so much for that.” “Toby is someone I could talk about all night, but for now I’ll just say that I’m glad I got to know him and call him a friend. We miss you, Toby. Thank you.

Trace Adkins performed “American Solider” in a terrifying manner a short while later. On the screen behind him, pictures of Toby Keith and his numerous USO Tours displayed during his performance. Toby Keith: American Icon gave a truly remarkable performance, and it was undoubtedly an emotional time.

Trace Adkins performs onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
On July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, Trace Adkins takes the stage at Bridgestone Arena. Image courtesy of Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group

Written by Keith and Chuck Cannon, “American Solider” was published in November 2003. It can be found on the album Hi Shock’n Y’all and has an RIAA Platinum certification.

Among the many famous country musicians that gave their all to pay tribute to the late Toby Keith was Trace Adkins. Priscilla Block, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brett Favre, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, HARDY, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Krystal Keith, Ella Langley, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Leanne Morgan, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker, and Lainey Wilson were among the performers and special guests on the two-hour special.

Trace Adkins performs onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
On July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, Trace Adkins takes the stage at Bridgestone Arena. Image courtesy of Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group

The special featured a variety of musical performances that showcased Keith’s amazing songwriting and music, but it also emphasized his kindness and generosity by supporting The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Families from both groups seemed to tell the stories of how they were helped and supported when things were really hard.

NBC broadcast Toby Keith: American Icon on Wednesday, August 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The next day, Peacock will offer the episode for streaming.

On February 5, 2024, the legendary country music performer Toby Keith departed from this life due to stomach cancer. He had an astounding 32 No. 1 hits over his career and sold an astounding 40 million albums.

All artists perform onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
On July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, all musicians take the stage at Bridgestone Arena; image courtesy of Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Universal Music Group

Given that he has achieved a chart-topping hit for 20 years running, including “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American),” “I Love This Bar,” “Beer For My Horses,” and “As Good As I Once Was,” it should come as no surprise that he is considered one of country music’s biggest hitmakers.

In addition to being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (after being admitted into the all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015), he has been awarded the National Medal of Arts and the prestigious Merle Haggard Spirit Award by the Academy of Country Music.

Toby Keith: American Icon

The Oklahoma native won three BMI Country Songwriter of the Year awards over his career in addition to the BMI Icon Award. In 2006, his popular song “As Good As I Once Was” won BMI’s Country Song of the Year.

To date, Toby Keith’s music has received 100 million terrestrial radio spins and over 10 billion streaming.

“1000-lb Sisters” Star Reveals Her Dramatic Transformation and Becomes an Inspiration to Many

1,000-lb Sisters fame Tammy has got the internet talking about her impressive transformation. The star shared her weight loss journey with the fans and moved everyone with her determination. In her latest photos, Tammy is unrecognizable as she smiles in a bold swimsuit.

Tammy and her sister’s rise to fame.

Tammy, a 37-year-old resident of Dixon, Kentucky, made her first appearance on the show 1000-Lb Sisters in 2020. Before the show, she and her sister Amy were popular YouTubers, known for their engaging content and a large number of followers.

Both sisters, in their thirties, had a combined weight of over 1,000 pounds. They faced challenges with weight loss and maintaining a healthy diet, but as of 2024, they’ve made significant progress. Let’s take a look at Tammy’s inspiring journey.

Tammy’s path to a healthier lifestyle.

Initially, Tammy tipped the scales at 717 pounds (325 kg). Due to her weight, she faced many difficulties in her daily life and also suffered from various health issues.

Tammy took up the challenge and decided to change things up. She spent 14 months at Windsor Lane Center in Gibsonburg. It was also where she met her husband. Sadly, he later passed away in 2023.

A challenge well accepted and executed.

In late 2022, Tammy had a surgery. Now she weighs 285 pounds (129 kg), having shed over 400 pounds (181 kg).

Tammy is currently doing well as she recovers from her partner’s passing. She enjoys connecting with her fans from 1000-Lb Sisters on TikTok. There, she shares lip-sync videos and moments with her new pet cat. A serious health scare was a pivotal moment for Tammy, leading her to take charge of her health. Her ongoing success continues to inspire her supporters and silence her critics.

Overcoming adversity.

Over the years, Tammy faced several health issues due to her increasing weight and lifestyle choices. In a critical event in November 2021, she was hospitalized and placed on life support. Despite also needing a tracheostomy, she made a remarkable recovery.

An inspiration to many, she continues to shine.

In the last episode of the third season, which aired in January 2022, Tammy’s brother, Chris Combs, shared that she had lost 115 pounds (52 kg) while in a rehabilitation center in Ohio. Following her hospital stay, Tammy hinted at her weight loss in a TikTok video.

Back in January 2020, Tammy’s weight was around 600 pounds (272 kg). Although she managed to reduce her weight during the show, it fluctuated often. Recently, Tammy displayed her weight loss by spending time by the pool with her friend Haley Michelle. Haley posted a photo on Instagram showing Tammy in a navy-blue bathing suit, looking happy and relaxed by the poolside. Haley expressed her pride in Tammy’s achievement with a supportive hashtag.

Fans poured in comments on Tammy’s photos, praising her. Many pointed out how she looks incredible, and her journey inspired them. Some also noted how she did a more impressive job at getting healthier than her siblings.

However, some were also confused by the way Tammy posed with her friend. Many are wondering if the two are actually in a relationship.

Kelly Clarkson also recently debuted a slimmer figure that surprised fans. See her photos here.

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