Toby Keith’s Wife Makes First Public Appearance Since His Passing at ACM Awards
Toby Keith’s wife, Tricia Covel, made her debut public appearance at the 2024 ACM Awards on Thursday night (May 16), marking her first appearance since his passing in February.
The iconic country singer, born Toby Keith Covel, tied the knot with Tricia Lucus on March 24, 1984. He lovingly embraced Tricia’s daughter, Shelley, and together they welcomed two more children into their family: Krystal and Stelen.
Tricia was there to help Toby through every moment after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Shortly before his death, he spoke about how Tricia supported him through his battle.
“Aw she’s been a trooper,” he said. “She’s the best nurse. She absolutely – the first time we went to Houston, the hospital, she stepped right in, and she just took control and said, ‘We’ve got this, let’s go.’ She’s like, ‘We’re gonna get this, and don’t worry about it.’”
Toby and Tricia made their last major public appearance together at the People’s Choice Country Awards in September 2023. Toby was honored with the Country Icon Award and delivered a poignant performance of his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”
Tricia could be seen with tears in her eyes during the performance.
Tricia Covel Makes First Public Appearance Since Her Husband’s Death – Attends The 2024 ACM Awards
Toby passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62.
His son, Stelen, was the first member of his family to appear in public after his death. Stelen offered brief remarks at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s inductee announcement ceremony, where it was revealed that Toby is one of this year’s inductees.
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n April, all three of Toby’s kids made their first joint public appearance since their father’s death when they attended the CMT Music Awards. The show hosted an all-star tribute to Toby, which included performances from Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, and Lainey Wilson.
The Covel children walked the red carpet and watched the show in the crowd. They could be seen crying several times during the tribute to their father. However, Tricia was not in attendance.
Days before the 2024 ACM Awards, the ACM announced that Jason Aldean would honor Toby with another tribute. The ACM invited Toby’s family to attend the ceremony, and they did, including Tricia.
Tricia was spotted in the crowd with Stelen at the start of the ACM Awards during Reba McEntire’s opening monologue.
Please welcome the 👑 of Country Music and our #ACMawards host, @reba! #RebaACM pic.twitter.com/cStSdPtfiu
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) May 17, 2024
It appears she did not walk the red carpet before the show, or at least was not photographed.
It warmed fans’ hearts to see Toby Keith’s wife and kids at the ACM Awards this year. They all remain in our thoughts and prayers…
