The 2024 CMA Awards took a moment to honor the late Toby Keith on Wednesday night (Nov. 20). It was a touching moment.

During the first hour of the show, hosts Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning paused to raise a glass to the country veteran.

“We want to take a moment to toast the great Toby Keith,” Bryan remarked as he and his co-hosts each raised a red Solo cup in the air.

As the camera panned the audience, several others were seen holding up their red plastic cups. Those without the iconic vessel raised their own drinks instead, showing their solidarity.

“A great artist. A great American. And a great country music icon. Toby, you will be missed, buddy,” Bryan continued.

Watch the sweet moment below:

cheers to you Toby Keith
#CMAawards pic.twitter.com/jLymF6EZmP

— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) November 21, 2024

When Did Toby Keith Die?

Keith passed away after a long battle with stomach cancer on Feb. 2, 2024. His last live television performance was at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards in 2023.

This year has been filled with tributes to the icon. Jason Aldean sang a somber rendition of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” at the ACM Awards, and several artists jumped on stage to sing a medley of Keith’s hits at the CMT Music Awards.