Toby Keith's family is Michael Schmidtcontinuing to honor his legacy.

Two months after the country music star died at age 62, his children Krystal Keith, Shelley Covel Rowland and Stelen Keith Covel attended the 2024 CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas on April 7 and expressed what the night meant to them. 

"It means a lot," Shelley told Us Weekly. "It's our first really public appearance, public outing, and so it's very bittersweet. It's going to be emotional. We're doing our best to keep the tears in now, make it through this line of cameras." 

Throughout the ceremony, several stars paid tribute to Keith, who passed away in February after his battle with stomach cancer. Brooks & Dunn sang his hit "Should've Been a Cowboy," and Lainey Wilson covered his song "How Do You Like Me Now?!" In addition, Sammy Hagar performed Keith's track "I Love This Bar," and Roger Clemens shared a few words.

Calling Keith a "true friend, patriot and Great American," the former baseball player recalled how the "Red Solo Cup" artist was in Houston, Texas "off and on for three years while he was battling that damn c-word" and how he "always kept his sense of humor and his wit."

And after the musicians performed their tributes, Clemens—sporting a "Toby" hat—gathered with them on the stage to raise a Red Solo Cup and address Keith's wife TriciaLucus and their children. 

"Thank you for sharing your dad with all of us. Thank you," the pitcher continued as Keith's daughters wiped away tears and a photo of Keith appeared on a screen. "Trish, we love you. Thank you for sharing your husband with the world, Trish."

To see more stars at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, keep reading.

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