“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
NFL legend Terry Bradshaw and country music icon Toby Keith found themselves battling cancer at the same time. Sadly, Keith passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62.
Now, Bradshaw takes every chance to honor his dear friend.
Few people realize that on top of being a retired NFL star and current commentator, Bradshaw is also an actor, country singer, and horse breeder. He’s no newbie to performing, and he also has prior experience singing one of Keith’s most meaningful songs, “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”
Keith wrote “Don’t Let the Old Man In” following a conversation with another famous friend of his, Clint Eastwood. Eastwood ended up featuring the track in his 2018 film The Mule.
“Don’t Let the Old Man In” is a song about aging and mortality. But it’s also a song about living your life to the fullest.
Keith delivered his most impactful performance of “Don’t Let the Old Man In” during the People’s Choice Country Awards in September 2023. It ended up being his last televised performance.
Terry Bradshaw has performed “Don’t Let the Old Man In” several times to honor his late friend Toby Keith. After covering the song in Branson, Missouri, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn invited him to perform at one of their concerts, leading to Bradshaw’s surprise appearance at their Thackerville, Oklahoma show.
On stage, Bradshaw shared the special connection he had with Keith, particularly through their cancer journeys. “Toby and I would talk, and I’d ask, ‘Hey, Bud, how are you doing?’ He’d reply, ‘Man, one day good, one day bad. God’s got a plan for me, I don’t know.’ I’d tell him, ‘Well, hang in there, I’m praying for you,’ and he’d say, ‘I’m praying for you, buddy.'”
With Keith now gone, Bradshaw is committed to preserving his legacy, especially through meaningful songs like “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” Before performing, he addressed his departed friend: “Toby, I love you, buddy. I hope I sing this song good for you.”
Backed by Brooks & Dunn, Bradshaw delivered an emotional rendition that captivated the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause when he finished.
Watch the video below to hear Terry Bradshaw sing Toby Keith’s “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”