Blake Shelton reflects on the legacy of Toby Keith Blake Shelton reflecting on his early days in the music industry shared a poignant memory about Toby Keith who was instrumental in his career Shelton speaking in a pre-taped segment during the CMT Giants Alabama event on January 17th 2024 in Nashville Tennessee recounted how Keith was the first major artist to extend a hand to him when he was just starting out whose roots are deeply embedded in Oklahoma he was born in Ada and now shares a farm there with Gwen Stefani speculated that Keith's openness towards him was influenced by their shared background as Oklahomans Keith originally from Clinton Oklahoma and Shelton found a common Bond through their Regional connection growing up Toby was a towering figure in country music Shelton said he saw potential in me and offered support when I needed it most being around Toby was like being part of a family once you earned his friendship it was for Life there will never be another Toby Keith this sentiment was not new for Shelton after Keith's passing in February 2024 due to a battle with stomach cancer Shelton took to social media to express his grief and admiration even though I knew about your battle these last few months I still never imagined this day would come Shelton wrote anyone who knew you understands what I mean you were the toughest man I ever met thank you brother for being a friend a hero and an inspiration t