‘90s Country Icon Toby Keith’s Connection to a Rising Country Star Sparks a Surprising Confession: ‘Are You Toby Keith’s Son?’
- - ‘90s Country Icon Toby Keith’s Connection to a Rising Country Star Sparks a Surprising Confession: ‘Are You Toby Keith’s Son?’
Melinda LorgeDecember 28, 2025 at 11:48 PM
0
Getty Images
There’s no question that Toby Keith remains one of the most influential country stars in the genre. With a career spanning more than three decades, the late country trailblazer has created a strong legacy with the release of many self-penned hit songs like “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” and “Wish I Didn’t Know Now,” just to name a few. Additionally, he has sold over 40 million albums and has earned numerous honors, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Given that legacy, it’s easy to understand why an emerging artist would happily welcome the suggestion of a connection to Keith. And Braxton Keith, who shares the same last name as the legendary country star, is doing just that.
People Often Wonder if the Two Artists Are Related
During a recent interview on the Whiskey Riff Raffpodcast, Braxton revealed that he is often asked if he and Keith are related. Although the two are not, the young talent, who has earned the label of a neotraditional artist, said he wishes he shared family ties with the Oklahoma native.
"A lot of people do ask if I’m related to Toby Keith," Braxton, 25, said on the podcast. "I moved into this house in San Angelo, Texas, right when I started playing, and my neighbor was like, ‘Are you Toby Keith’s son?’ I was like, 'No, I wish.'"
“[I don’t get asked] as much as I wish people asked," the “Cozy” singer admitted. "That’s funny, though. I wish I was."
Toby Keith Is a Father to Three Kids
It may come as a surprise to folks that the “Beer for My Horses” hitmaker's full birth name isn't Toby Keith. His last name is actually Covel, but he used his middle name in place of his last name as part of his stage moniker. Keith, who is a father to three kids — Shelley Covel Rowland, Krystal Keith, and Stelen Keith Covel — died on Feb. 4, 2024, following a brave battle with stomach cancer. He was 62.
Related: ‘90s Country Icon Toby Keith Reaches Major Career Milestone With Two Songs Decades After Their Release
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
