“Saddle Up the Horses, Jesus…” Carrie Underwood’s voice trembled as she stepped into the Grand Ole Opry spotlight, honoring the late Toby Keith just two months after his passing. With every note of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” she poured her grief, love, and memories into the song, pausing mid-performance to whisper a heartfelt tribute: “We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but I know you’re standing in the presence of our King right now. See you again someday, friend.” Born in the same Oklahoma soil, their bond was more than music — it was family, friendship, and shared roots. Legendary country singer Garth Brooks, watching from the audience, was visibly shaken, wiping away tears as he whispered to those beside him: “That’s how you honor a legend. She just carried his spirit here tonight.” Fans in the Opry circle held their breath, some sobbing, as Carrie transformed the legendary stage into a sanctuary of remembrance, proving that some songs carry the weight of the heart itself.
Carrie Underwood Sings “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” In Opry Tribute To Toby Keith
Carrie Underwood sang “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” at the Opry to honor Toby Keith after his death. (Photo Credits: Toby Keith / Facebook & CMU Fan / X)
Carrie Underwood Remembers Toby Keith After His Death
Carrie Underwood was one of many country stars devastated by Toby Keith‘s death on February 5, 2024. Keith died at the age of 62 following a battle with stomach cancer.
Both Keith and Underwood were born in Oklahoma.
Underwood penned one of the most powerful tributes to Keith after his death. She shared several photos of them together through the years and wrote:
“Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ’cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!! Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend.”
Watch Carrie Underwood Sing “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” At The Opry
In 2022, Carrie Underwood honored Toby Keith when he received the BMI Icon Award. She performed his debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” during the ceremony.
Underwood performed at the Grand Ole Opry in April 2024, just two months after Keith died. As an Opry member, Underwood treasures every second she spends in “the circle.”
“Always a wonderful night when it’s a night at the @opry ! I consider myself so incredibly blessed to be a part of this family!” Underwood wrote on Instagram after her April performance.
During her set, Underwood paused to honor Keith with a cover of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” The performance came less than a week after Keith received an all-star tribute during the CMT Music Awards on April 7, 2024.
Head below to watch Carrie pour her heart into “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” It was a touching tribute to Toby Keith and the legacy he left behind…
