Toby Keith’s daughter has accepted his honorary degree from the University of Oklahoma just three months after he tragically passed away from stomach cancer aged 62.
The country star – who was diagnosed with the disease in 2021 – knew he was set to receive the honor prior to his February 5 death.
On Saturday, the musician’s daughter, 38-year-old Krystal, accepted the degree on his behalf at the University of Oklahoma’s (OU) commencement ceremony.
OU’s president Joseph Harroz, Jr. gushed about the Keith family – who is made up University of Oklahoma alumni as he noted that he was ‘grateful’ they were able to celebrate Toby’s ‘legacy and impact.’
Toby Keith’s daughter has accepted his honorary degree from the University of Oklahoma just three months after he tragically passed away from stomach cancer aged 62
The country star – who was diagnosed with the disease in 2021 – knew he was set to receive the honor prior to his February 5 death (seen in 2023)
On Saturday, the musician’s daughter, 38-year-old Krystal, accepted the degree on his behalf at the University of Oklahoma’s (OU) commencement ceremony
The Whiskey Girl hitmaker knew he was going to be honored at the ceremony, however, since he died just three months before, Krystal accepted it.
A snap of Krystal accepting the degree was shared on Toby’s Instagram, and saw her donning the classic red and black robe from the college.
It was captioned: ‘Toby learned he would be receiving an honorary degree from @uofoklahoma last fall, and yesterday (Saturday), @krystalkeith accepted it on his behalf at the commencement ceremony. Congratulations to all of the OU graduates!’
The OU president also shared a photo of Krystal on X, formerly known as Twitter, and raved about the country singer as he smiled next to Toby’s daughter and proud wife Tricia who was also in attendance.
The post was captioned: ‘So incredibly grateful to Tricia and Krystal Keith for joining us Saturday to celebrate the impact and legacy of Toby Keith with an honorary degree from University of Oklahoma. Miss you and each and every day, TK.’
Toby was a longtime supporter of OU and regularly tuned into the college’s football games.
His daughters Krystal and Shelley, 44, and son Stelen Covel, 27, all attended the University of Oklahoma.
After Toby’s death, Joseph took to the university’s website to share a powerful tribute to the country singer.
OU’s president, Joseph Harroz, Jr., gushed about the Keith family – who is made up University of Oklahoma alumni as he noted that he was ‘grateful’ they were able to celebrate Toby
Toby was a longtime supporter of OU and regularly tuned into the college’s football games (seen with a fan in 2005)
His daughters Krystal, and Shelley, 44, and son Stelen Covel, 27, all attended the University of Oklahoma (seen with Krystal in 2004)
It read: ‘Throughout his illustrious career, he remained rooted in his Oklahoma upbringing, choosing to live in the state that shaped him and giving back generously to his fellow Oklahomans.
‘His philanthropic efforts, from raising millions for children battling cancer to supporting tornado victims, exemplified his unwavering commitment to his roots and his compassion for others.
‘As a lifelong Sooner, Toby’s passion for the crimson and cream made him a cherished figure within Sooner Nation, where he proudly shared his love for the university and its community.
‘His absence leaves a void not only in the country music landscape but also in the hearts of all who were touched by his music and his kindness. Personally, I will miss Toby’s laughter, warmth, and everlasting love for the University of Oklahoma.’
Following her father’s death, Krystal took to Instagram to express her heartbreak and waxed lyrical about her iconic ‘hero.’
She said: ‘I am shattered. As great as he was in his career, he was so much greater as a dad and a husband and a Pop Pop. He was my hero.’
After a three-year battle with stomach cancer, Toby died on February 5, 2024.
Just weeks after his death, the singer was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (seen performing in 2021)
The late Red Solo Cup musician shared his kids with his wife, Tricia Lucus, whom he was married to for nearly 40 years, all the way up until his death (seen in 2018)
Just weeks after his death, the singer was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Last month, Toby’s three children made their first public appearance together since their father passed away in February at the 2024 CMT Music Awards.
Upon arrival at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, Krystal, Shelley and Stelen all lined up together for a series of snaps along the red carpet.
The late Red Solo Cup musician shared his kids with his wife, Tricia Lucus, whom he was married to for nearly 40 years, all the way up until his death.
The singer – who has 32 #1 singles to his name over an illustrious career – was already a part of the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2015) and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2021) before joining the Country Music Hall of Fame.
