Toby Keith Honored With Special Tribute at Lloyd Noble Center For OU, BYU
The Oklahoma Sooners honored legendary country singer Toby Keith at their men's basketball game Tuesday night. Keith tragically passed Monday night from his battle with stomach cancer.
The Sooners community gathered and paid tribute to the iconic musician, who had a bleeding red heart for OU athletics, widely recognized as one of their star fans. The late Keith received a special tribute ahead of the OU men's basketball matchup, facing BYU. Keith's seat at Lloyd Noble Center Tuesday evening had a guitar propped on it, accompanied by a red Solo cup and an OU hat.
Keith's presence in Norman felt strong beyond his passing. A moment of silence was also held for Toby Keith ahead of the game.
"Forever a Sooner," OU posted on social media. After the game, the men's team took a group photo, posting it on X with the caption, "Red Solo Cup."
According to a statement from Keith's family, the 62-year-old died peacefully Monday night.
OU released a statement earlier Tuesday, remembering Keith as tributes poured in all morning.
READ: Country Music Icon Toby Keith Dead At 62, Tributes Pour In
"The OU Athletics family is incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Toby Keith. It's a profoundly sad reality to exist in a world where Toby doesn't. He brought life and joy to every room he entered, and our hearts are dimmer today without him. An American icon and a stalwart Sooner.
"A superstar talent and a fierce friend of our program. We thank him for the unwavering support he always gave, his generosity as a human being and the countless smiles and memories he created here in Oklahoma and around the world. All our love to Tricia, Shelley, Krystal, Stelen and their families. We'll miss you on campus, TK. We’re crying for us."
Sooners fans look forward to blaring ‘Red Solo Cup’ in Keith's memory moving forward. Keith's memory pushed Oklahoma to a strong second-half performance against BYU, winning 82-66.
Sooners coach Porter Moser honored Keith in his post-game comments, adding "Our guys played their hearts out for Toby Keith." Moser also raised a red cup high for the legend.
"I want to just say, today's a tough day for our nation. We lost a dear friend, Toby Keith," Moser said, "I heard his songs blaring in the arena. And I've been here three years; he became a true friend of mine … he is everything you want to be about. …
"Today we raise a glass to Toby Keith. I wish there was something different than water in my glass right now, because he is a true legend, a true friend to everybody. And I just want to say our guys played their hearts out for Toby Keith tonight to get this win. And I know he was looking down on us tonight. So to everyone who hears this around Sooner Nation, friends all across the country, raise your glass tonight to Toby Keith."
Rest in Peace