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Toby Keith on stage at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany, on May 25, 2007. Keith entertained Americans from all over Germany, following his return from a tour in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Toby Keith on stage at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany, on May 25, 2007. Keith entertained Americans from all over Germany, following his return from a tour in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

NBC will broadcast a two-hour concert tribute “Toby Keith: American Icon” on Wednesday to celebrate the life and legacy of the country singer-songwriter who died in February.

Keith often displayed his patriotism and appreciation for the country’s armed forces with his music and commitment to serving the community — especially through his work with the USO.

In remembrance of his contributions to the military community, Keith’s family invited the USO to participate in NBC’s live concert recorded July 29 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., and now viewers around the world will be able to enjoy the recorded show from home.

“Toby’s story is one of those few that is really special,” said Jennifer Wahlquist, vice president of Global Entertainment for the USO. “When you talk to service members who had the opportunity to see him perform … it changed their life.”

In the special, viewers can expect to learn more about Keith’s work with the USO and see a photo gallery provided by the organization of him touring and performing with the military throughout the years.

“It’s super important that we acknowledge him ... the commitment that he made, and the multiple times that he showed up for those men and women (service members),” Wahlquist said.

Service members from Fort Campbell, Ky. pose for a group picture at Bridgestone Area on July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.

Service members from Fort Campbell, Ky. pose for a group picture at Bridgestone Area on July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (USO)

All artists perform onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.

All artists perform onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (Tibrina Hobson, Getty Images for Universal Music Group)

Sixteen service members from Fort Campbell, Ky., were given an opportunity by the USO to sit on stage and join Nashville fans, watching musical performances by A-list stars and appearances by special guests who shared their love for one of country music’s iconic artists.

“The biggest thrill for us is being able to give service members the thrill of seeing a performance live,” Wahlquist said. “For those 16 individuals that got to show up and see the huge presence of artists coming across the stage, walking past them, talking to them and taking pictures with them — that’s really what it’s all about for us at the end of the day.”

Performances and special guests include Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, HARDY, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Ella Langley, Leanne Morgan, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker and Lainey Wilson.

Keith’s daughter, Krystal Keith, also contributed a special performance in her father’s memory.

Keith’s country music influence reached around the globe with songs that include “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American),” “American Soldier,” “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “American Ride” and many more.

This bittersweet tribute to Keith is a celebration not only of his iconic music but also of who he was and who he represented.

“Everybody is in store for a big treat [on Wednesday], and of course, will get to sing along to Keith’s incredible hits and take time to celebrate his life and legacy,” Wahlquist said.

NBC’s “Toby Keith: American Icon” will air Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST/PST and stream the next day on Peacock.

Toby Keith, left, meets with soldiers from the 6th Squadron, 6th U.S. Cavalry Regiment in Illesheim, Germany, in 2004.

Toby Keith, left, meets with soldiers from the 6th Squadron, 6th U.S. Cavalry Regiment in Illesheim, Germany, in 2004. (Rick Emert/Stars and Stripes)

Scott Rouch, of the 98th Area Support Group Public Affairs Office, snaps a photo of concertgoers with Toby Keith, sitting in the front row, in Illesheim, Germany, in 2004. The crew rushed groups of people through to accommodate the long line of fans wanting to have their pictures taken with the country music star.

Scott Rouch, of the 98th Area Support Group Public Affairs Office, snaps a photo of concertgoers with Toby Keith, sitting in the front row, in Illesheim, Germany, in 2004. The crew rushed groups of people through to accommodate the long line of fans wanting to have their pictures taken with the country music star. (Rick Emert/Stars and Stripes)

Toby Keith, right, and Ted Nugent perform “Who’s Your Daddy” in 2004 at Illesheim, Germany, during a free Memorial Day concert for soldiers and families. The event was open to military communities across Europe, and most bases offered free bus transportation to the site.

Toby Keith, right, and Ted Nugent perform “Who’s Your Daddy” in 2004 at Illesheim, Germany, during a free Memorial Day concert for soldiers and families. The event was open to military communities across Europe, and most bases offered free bus transportation to the site. (Rick Emert/Stars and Stripes)

Fans cheer Monday as the start of the free Toby Keith/Ted Nugent Memorial Day concert draws near in Illesheim, Germany in 2004.

Fans cheer Monday as the start of the free Toby Keith/Ted Nugent Memorial Day concert draws near in Illesheim, Germany in 2004. (Rick Emert/Stars and Stripes)

Fans react to coutnry music star Toby Keith during a free concert in Illesheim, Germany, that also featured rocker Ted Nugent in 2004.

Fans react to coutnry music star Toby Keith during a free concert in Illesheim, Germany, that also featured rocker Ted Nugent in 2004. (Rick Emert/Stars and Stripes)

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Kaylyn Barnhart is a digital editor at Stars and Stripes. She previously worked with the strategic communications team for the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. She has a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. and is based in Washington D.C.

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