Last year, Toby Keith learned that the University of Oklahoma (OU) would be presenting him an Honorary Degree at their 2024 Commencement.
The country legend was so honored and happy to be acknowledged by the University that he loved and sent his children to for their education. Walking the stage this Spring was something he was looking forward to before he tragically passed away on February 5.
At this weekend’s OU Commencement events, his daughter Krystal Keith will proudly stand in to accept the honorary degree and share her recollections of her father’s love and loyalty to the University.
She notes: “He loved OU! His passion started as far back as when he was 12 and 13 years old and worked in the stadium selling Cokes just so he could see the games. For as long as I can remember, he took us to every bowl game no matter what his work schedule was. And he was on the sidelines of nearly all the different OU sporting events. He bled Crimson and Cream.”
In addition to Keith, distinguished educator, economist, and activist Barbara Ann Posey Jones; founder of Love’s Travel Stops Tom E. Love; and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient for his work on the Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 spacecraft missions David Proctor will receive honorary degrees from OU this year.
In an earlier announcement, OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. said of all the recipients: “Through their exceptional talents, transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to serving others, each of this year’s Honorary Degree recipients has left an indelible mark on the world. Their profound dedication has touched countless lives, and we take great pride in conferring the university’s highest honor upon them.”
Back in March, The Country Music Association gathered at the Hall of Fame Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to reveal the 2024 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame: James Burton, John Anderson, and the late Toby Keith.
Listen to the best of Toby Keith on Apple Music and Spotify.
