Jelly Roll delivered an emotional performance of Toby Keith’s 2002 hit, “My List,” during Toby Keith: American Icon, which aired on NBC on Wednesday evening (Aug. 28).
As he stepped up to the mic, the superstar was noticeably nervous and was even seen shaking, seemingly frazzled over the opportunity to honor one of his heroes in front of a sold-out Bridgestone Arena audience.
“I am dedicating this to Tricia, Shelley, Krystal, Stelen, and Toby’s entire family,” the “I Am Not Okay” singer shared as the Keith family watched on from the side of the stage.
Jelly Roll performs onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennesse; Photo by: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
“Toby inspired me to be a better American, a better human, a better songwriter, and with songs like this, most importantly, he inspired me to be a better father,” he said.
The band began to play and Jelly Roll powered through his nerves to deliver a performance of “My List,” a song written by Tim James and Rand Bishop that is all about taking control of your life by prioritizing what truly matters.
“Go for a walk, say a little prayer/ Take a deep breath of mountain air/ Put on my glove and play some catch/ It’s time that I make time for that/ Wade the shore and cast a line/ Look up an old lost friend of mine/ Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss/ Start livin’, that’s the next thing on my list,” goes the chorus.
As Jelly Roll sang the lyrics, photos of Toby and his family were displayed on the screen behind him, adding to the emotions of the moment.
Following the show, Jelly Roll admitted, “I was choking back tears the whole time knowing that Toby’s family was watching me. You can see it in my eyes. LEGENDS NEVER DIE.”
Jelly Roll performs onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennesse; Photo by: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
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Jelly Roll was just one of the country superstars who dropped everything to honor the late Toby Keith. The two-hour special also included performances and special appearances from Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brett Favre, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, HARDY, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Krystal Keith, Ella Langley, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Leanne Morgan, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker, and Lainey Wilson.
In addition to an array of musical performances spotlighting Keith’s incredible music and songwriter, Keith’s compassion and philanthropy were also highlighted throughout the special as the event supported Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral. Families from both organizations appeared to share their stories of receiving vital care and support during their most challenging times.
Toby Keith: American Icon aired on Wednesday, August 28 at 9 pm ET/PT on NBC. The show will be available to stream the following day on Peacock.
Pictured: Jelly Roll performs onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
Country music legend Toby Keith passed away on February 5, 2024, following a battle with stomach cancer. Throughout his career, he earned an impressive 32 No.1 singles and sold a whopping 40 million albums.
It’s no surprise that he is regarded as one of country music’s biggest hitmakers after earning a chart-topping hit every year for 20 consecutive years, including “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American),” “I Love This Bar,” “Beer For My Horses,” and “As Good As I Once Was.”
He is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, he’s been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (following his induction into the all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015), and has been honored with the Academy of Country Music’s esteemed Merle Haggard Spirit Award.
Throughout his career, the Oklahoma native received the BMI Icon Award as well as the BMI Country Songwriter of the Year award three times, and his hit single “As Good As I Once Was” was awarded BMI’s Country Song of the Year in 2006.
Toby Keith’s music has garnered more than 10 billion streams and 100 million terrestrial radio spins to date.
