Toby Keith is one of three inductees named in this year’s Country Music Hall of Fame Class.
Just 42 days after his passing, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn officially announced that Toby will be inducted as the Modern Era Artist, alongside John Anderson (Veterans Era Artist) and James Burton (Recording and/or Touring Musician).
While the announcement that the “God Love Her” singer would be inducted came posthumously, the voting actually happened before Toby passed on February 5th, as there is actually a rule against voting in anyone in the year after their death.
Toby’s family released a statement earlier, thanking the Country Music Hall of Fame:
“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.”
Ronnie Dunn also had this to say about his friend and fellow country star:
“The man who once sang that he dreamed about living in your radio has got a permanent home in the Hall of Fame rotunda.”
Keith will be remembered as an American patriot, a charitable philanthropist, and an inspiration to many. His legacy will undoubtedly carry on through what is left behind of his storied career, marked by 21 albums and 20 number-one singles, as well as his dedicated support for children diagnosed with cancer, active-duty military personnel, and veterans.