Blake Shelton made a brief powerful appearance on NBC's Toby Keith's special country star and former The Voice coach Blake Shelton had the benefit of Toby Keith's mentorship as he began his music career and he shared his insight into their friendship during NBC's Toby Keith an American icon special read on to see what Shelton said during his brief but powerful video appearance how Toby Keith helped a young Blake Shelton when I was just a baby artist coming up in the music industry Toby was the first major artist to give me a chance Shelton said in a pre-taped segment during the broadcast Shelton speculated that Keith wared to him because he was a fellow Oki meaning a person from Oklahoma Shelton was born in adaa Oklahoma and he and Gwen Stefani have a farm there now Keith was from Clinton I looked up to Toby I learned a lot from being around him once you were in that friendship you were a lifetime member sh continued adding there will never be another Toby Keith it's a sentiment he's shared before after Keith died from stomach cancer in February 2024 Shelton shared via social media even though I knew about your battle these last few months I still never imagin this day anyone who knew you knows what I mean you were the toughest man I ever met thank you brother for being a friend a hero and an inspiration there will never be another Toby Keith Blake Shelton's kind words for Toby Keith at the 2024 ACM Awards Shelton gave a heartfelt speech in Keith's honor as a friend a fan and a fellow Oki I feel heartbroken and yet honored to be standing here tonight to remember a man who became one of the biggest country music stars of all time the late great Toby Keith he said per parade related Toby Keith and Blake Shelton's voices are country magic together on 2 18 live duet he continued Toby was a big star in every way but in the end the mark that Toby left was much more than just that Toby was a loving husband to his beautiful wife Trisha he was a proud father to their three kids and were so honored and moved to have Trisha and the kids all here with us tonight Keith's family was also in attendance at the American I can taping where Country Superstars performed in his honor