It’s been two decades since Toby Keith and his daughter, Krystal Keith, performed at the 2004 CMA Awards. The father-daughter duo brought down the house with their rendition of “Mockingbird.”
Keith and his daughter braided the songs lyrics on top of each other, both showing off their powerful vocals. At just 19 years old, Krystal showed the world she could hold her own on country music’s biggest night.
What’s the Story Behind “Mockingbird”?
“Mockingbird” was written by Inez and Charlie Foxx in 1963. The song is inspired by the children’s lullaby “Hush Little Baby.” The song has been covered several times over the years by artists including Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon and James Taylor.
Keith included the cover featuring his daughter on his Greatest Hits 2 project. It reached No. 27 on the Hot Country Songs chart the same year they sang it for the CMAs.
Has Krystal Keith Done More Music?
Despite her evident musical talent, Keith urged his daughter to get a college degree. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Krystal opted to follow in her father’s footsteps and carve her own path in the music industry.
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Although Krystal didn’t agree with her dad’s wishes at the time, in the end she told Taste of Country in 2013, “He really did know best.”
Her debut project was a self-titled EP that year, followed by her Whiskey & Lace album a few months later. She also released Boulder in 2018.
Was Toby Keith Close to His Family?
Keith took a lot of pride in having a tight-knit family and stressed how important it was for his kids to remain grounded despite his success.
“Everybody in the family is good,” he told People in 2010. “I was raised by good parents and I have great kids. They don’t have any issues at all — none.”
How Did Toby Keith Die?
After an 18-month battle with stomach cancer, Keith died on Monday (Feb. 5) at age 62. He is survived by Krystal and her siblings, Shelley and Stelen, as well as his wife of nearly 40 years, Tricia. He also leaves behind four grandchildren.
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 Dies: Jason Aldean, Luke Combs + More Stars React
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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