The Country Music Hall Of Fame Inducted Its Newest Class On Sunday, October 20
Toby Keith’s wife, Tricia Covel, was on hand to accept his medallion upon his posthumous induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday (October 20).

Toby was inducted as a “Modern Era” artist. His HOF classmates include “Veteran Era” artist John Anderson and musician James Burton.
The CMHOF has a rule that artists can’t be inducted within a year of their death (to avoid sympathy votes). But this year’s voting period closed before Toby passed away on February 5.

“It makes a huge difference to us that the voting concluded, and it was already set before he passed away. That makes a huge difference to our family and the way that we look at it,” Toby’s daughter, Krystal, told The Oklahoman.

Toby knew voting was underway and that he’d likely be chosen as one of this year’s inductees. But he died before he got the chance to hear the official news.

Toby Keith’s Wife, Tricia Covel, Speaks At CMHOF Medallion Ceremony

The CMHOF honored Toby during its Medallion Ceremony on Sunday, October 20. Artists such as Blake Shelton, Post Malone, and Eric Church performed tributes to him.

hen, Toby’s wife, Tricia, took to the stage to accept his medallion from Alabama’s Randy Owen. She delivered an emotional speech about Toby’s life and legacy, saying, “There will never be another Toby Keith.”

Terry Wyatt / Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Tricia, who’d never delivered a public speech before, admitted she didn’t know if she could make it through her full address. She demonstrated incredible strength as she spoke, with her and Toby’s son, Stelen, onstage for support.

“He was a wonderful husband, father, a son, grandfather or pop-pop to our grandkids,” Tricia remarked about Toby. “Brother, friend, singer, producer, businessman—he was masterful at everything he did.”

Toby and Tricia were married for just shy of 40 years when he passed away. They share three children: Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen

“People walk up to me randomly—and shake my hand and say ‘You’re Toby’s wife, aren’t you?’ I say, ‘Yes, I am.’ They say ‘I miss him every day’ and I say, ‘Me too’ and we’re both crying,” Tricia said.

Tricia remembered how Toby “didn’t care what anybody said.” She also recognized his unwavering devotion to his country, saying:

“He was a patriot. He loved his country—Toby loved hard and he lived big. He enjoyed everything he did. He had no regrets.“

Near the end of her speech, Tricia spoke about Toby’s OK Kids Korral. The Korral is a home-away-from-home for children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. It’s located in Toby’s home state of Oklahoma.

“His music, his generosity, and his humanity will outlive not only us, but our children and their children,” Tricia said.

The CMHOF Medallion Ceremony was not broadcast on TV. But you can watch a short video highlighting the event below.

Our hearts go out to Tricia and all of Toby’s loved ones.