MLB Legend Roger Clemens Gives Emotional Tribute To Toby Keith At CMT Awards

Late country music star Toby Keith received an emotional tribute at the CMT Awards on Sunday night. 

And MLB great Roger Clemens delivered a touching scene at the CMTs by leading a tribute to Toby, featuring his signature red cup. The seven-time Cy Young winner brought the house down in Austin, Texas, giving Keith a send-off worthy of his legend. 

Toby Keith put up a hard fight against stomach cancer since 2022. He died at 62 on Feb. 25, 2024. 

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"A true friend, patriot, and great American," Roger Clemens said to kick off the tribute. Everyone on the CMT stage held up a red cup to honor Toby.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 07: (L-R) Riley Green and Roger Clemens speak onstage during the 2024 CMT Music Awards  at Moody Center on April 07, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Hubert Vestil/Getty Images)

"Toby was in Houston, my hometown, off and on for three years while battling that d*** ‘C’ word. Through it all, he always kept his sense of humor and his wit." 

He also shared a story about Keith's fulfillment of a bet made with Clemens that ended with the country star having to sing "The Eyes Of Texas."

Keith, an ardent OU fan, had to perform the song from inside a Longhorns baseball dugout. Keith made good and visited UT. It was a moment for the audience to remember Keith in good memory following the very tragic loss this year. Clemens teared up as he thanked Keith's family.

Clemens said, "Sure enough, it happened, and true to fashion, Toby sat in the dugout and with his funny wit sang ‘I’ve been working on the railroad.’ No chance Toby was going to sing ‘The Eyes Of Texas.’ … Thank you for sharing your dad with all of us. Thank you."

Social media applauded Clemens for his callback to Keith.

"Wow. Roger Clemens just led the tribute to Toby Keith at the CMT Awards and absolutely nailed it," one X user commented. "Didn’t think you had it in you."

It was another tribute joining many already dedicated to the late Toby Keith. Receiving honors from Clemens to fellow music stars like Post Malone, Keith's influence lives strong.

Clemens delivered an incredible nightcap for the incoming member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

"Let Toby hear you," he said. "Repeat after me: ‘Whiskey for my men and beer for my horses.’"

AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 07: (L-R) Riley Green, Lukas Nelson and Roger Clemens toast Toby Keith onstage during the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT)

Roger Clemens speaks onstage at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at the Moody Center on April 7, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty Images)

AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 07: (L-R) Roger Clemens, Parker McCollum and Kacy Clemens attend the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)

AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Roger Clemens attends the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT)

(Did you catch the amazing CMTs moment? Send us your thoughts: alejando.avila@outkick.com)

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