Watch the Toby Keith tribute performance that brought his kids to tears [Video]

It’s was Toby Keith’s night at the 2024 Country Music Television (CMT) Awards.

The late country singer died in February at the age of 62 following a long battle with stomach cancer. Even though he wasn’t there in person, every person in the auditorium felt his presence throughout the night as many artists paid tribute to Keith’s legacy.

The tributes started showing up on social media well before the show, which aired on April 7. On X, the official Toby Keith account shared a touching photo of artists such as Brooks and Dunn, Lainey Wilson and Sammy Hagar gathered with Keith’s band to rehearse for the ceremony.

Toby’s longtime band will join @laineywilson, @brooksanddunn, and @sammyhagar on stage to perform a tribute to Toby at the @CMT Awards. Tune in Sunday at 8/7c on @cbs. pic.twitter.com/KMeDeWdwQB

— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) April 6, 2024

The musical tribute kicked off with Brooks and Dunn performing …