University Of Oklahoma Awarded Honorary Degree To The Late Toby Keith

“As a lifelong Sooner, Toby’s passion for the crimson and cream made him a cherished figure within Sooner Nation, where he proudly shared his love for the university and its community.”

The University of Oklahoma honored a hometown hero at its recent graduation ceremony. Country legend Toby Keith was awarded an honorary degree from the school he loved. The musician's daughter, Krystal Keith, accepted the award from her alma mater on behalf of her father.

Keith died in February 2024 after battling stomach cancer, but he knew he was set to receive the honor. "Toby learned he would be receiving an honorary degree from @uofoklahoma last fall,” read a message posted on Keith’s official Instagram page, “and yesterday, @krystalkeith accepted it on his behalf at the commencement ceremony. Congratulations to all of the OU graduates!"

Keith was a committed booster of OU and its Sooners and was frequently spotted cheering on the teams at games. Turns out that the appreciation was mutual. "Throughout his illustrious career, [Keith] remained rooted in his Oklahoma upbringing, choosing to live in the state that shaped him and giving back generously to his fellow Oklahoman," University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz, Jr., said in an official statement a day after Keith's death. “As a lifelong Sooner, Toby’s passion for the crimson and cream made him a cherished figure within Sooner Nation, where he proudly shared his love for the university and its community.”

After the graduation ceremony, Harroz, Jr. shared a few more thoughts on X, formerly known as Twitter, “So incredibly grateful to Tricia and Krystal Keith for joining us Saturday to celebrate the impact and legacy of @tobykeith with an honorary degree from @uofoklahoma. Miss you each and every day, TK.”

Keith, a born-and-raised Oklahoman, first revealed his cancer diagnosis in June of 2022, telling fans, “Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery.” He went on to promise he would see the fans “sooner than later.” Unfortunately, the legendary country star known for "Red Solo Cup," "Should’ve Been A Cowboy," and more, died on February 5 at 62 years old. According to Billboard, Keith is set to be posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year.

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