One year ago today (February 5), the country music world lost a legend when Toby Keith passed away after a battle with stomach cancer. The following months saw countless country artists paying tribute to Keith at awards shows and during their concerts. Then, on July 29, the country music world came together at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to celebrate his life and career during the TV special titled Toby Keith: American Icon.

The tribute concert featured performances from some of the biggest names in country music. Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Jamey Johnson, Parker McCollum, and many more were there to perform. Keith’s friends and family also took the stage throughout the night to share their memories of the hitmaker. However, no moment was as moving as Krystal Keith’s rendition of “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”

Seeing Keith’s daughter performing the poignant song left those in the audience and the countless fans watching at home in tears. Originally released in 2018, the song about living life to the fullest and fighting the ravages of time became more important to Keith and his fans in the final years of his life.

Toby Keith Touched a Nerve with “Don’t Let the Old Man In”
Toby Keith wrote “Don’t Let the Old Man In” for the 2018 Clint Eastwood film The Mule. He also released it as a single from his 2018 album Greatest Hits: The Show Dog Years. Initially, the song peaked at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and No. 41 on the Country Airplay chart. After his passing, the song found its way onto the charts a second time. It peaked at No. 22 on the Hot Country Songs chart and No. 3 on the Digital Song Sales chart.

Keith got the idea for the song while playing a round of golf with Eastwood. While on the course, the 88-year-old actor mentioned that he was getting ready to start work on a new movie. This amazed the country star who asked, “How do you do it, man?” Eastwood told him “I just get up every morning and go out. And I don’t let the old man in.”

Toby Keith didn’t let the old man in. He lived life to the fullest until he couldn’t anymore. As a result, his music and legacy will continue to inspire artists, musicians, and fans for decades to come.