Jelly Roll’s song selection during NBC’s Toby Keith Tribute Special, Toby Keith: American icon, was deeply emotional.
When the singer took the stage in the second half of the show, he dedicated his performance to Keith’s family. “Toby inspired me to be a better American, a better person, a better songwriter, and most of all, with songs like this, he inspired me to be a better father,” the “Save Me” singer told the audience.
As Jelly Roll sang “My List,” the screen behind him showed pictures of Keith with his children and wife Tricia Lucus when they were all much younger, and the combination brought several audience members, as well as some of Keith’s family, to tears.
RELATED: Jelly Roll’s soulful rendition of Hootie & the Blowfish’s “Let Her Cry” will move you to tears
About “My List” by Toby Keith
The song is structured like a “list” of things to do, and as he goes through the items, he reflects on which ones are important and which ones aren’t. “It wouldn’t change the course of fate, mowing the lawn just had to wait because I have more important things to do, like pushing my kid on the swing in the backyard,” he says, deciding to put faith and family first.
“My List” was released in December 2001 and eventually reached the top of the country charts. The music video is about a firefighter and family man and refers to the events of September 11, 2001. Keith himself also appears in a firefighter costume. Before the release, Keith sang the song in an episode of the television series Touched by an angel.
RELATED: Jelly Roll and Machine Gun Kelly spent 2 years working on an amazing John Denver-inspired duet
Toby Keith’s commitment to soldiers
Throughout his career, performing for the troops was at the top of Keith’s “list.” He played more than 280 USO shows in 18 countries and visited 132 military bases and locations to entertain more than 250,000 troops. He also visited more active combat zones than the last four U.S. Presidents combined!
Toby Keith: American icon will air on NBC on Wednesday, August 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The special will honor the country superstar’s legacy with performances from his peers.
