Terry Bradshaw Sings Toby Keith’s “Don’t Let The Old Man In” At Brooks & Dunn Concert

NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw and country legend Toby Keith shared more than just a friendship—they also faced their cancer battles around the same time. Sadly, Keith passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62. In the wake of his friend’s death, Bradshaw has made it his mission to honor Keith’s legacy in every way he can—especially through music.

What many may not know is that Bradshaw isn’t just a former quarterback and football commentator—he’s also a seasoned performer with experience as an actor, singer, and even a country artist. That background made him the perfect person to pay tribute to Toby Keith with one of the singer’s most personal songs: “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”

The Song That Struck a Chord

Keith wrote “Don’t Let the Old Man In” after a powerful conversation with Clint Eastwood, who later featured the track in his 2018 film The Mule. The song explores the challenges of aging and facing mortality while encouraging listeners to keep living life to the fullest.

Keith’s emotional performance of the song during the People’s Choice Country Awards in September 2023 ended up being his final televised appearance—and it left fans everywhere deeply moved.

Bradshaw Takes the Stage for a Surprise Tribute

Bradshaw had previously performed the song in Branson, Missouri, which caught the attention of country star Kix Brooks. Brooks personally reached out to invite Bradshaw to join Brooks & Dunn for a special tribute performance at their show in Thackerville, Oklahoma.

Before launching into the song, Bradshaw shared a heartfelt message about his friendship with Keith:

“Toby and I would have a talk, and I’d say, ‘Hey, Bud, how are you doing?’ And he’d say, ‘Man, one day good, one day bad. God’s got a plan for me, I don’t know.’ And I said, ‘Well, hang in there, I’m praying for you.’ And he said, ‘I’m praying for you, buddy.’”

Bradshaw then looked toward the sky and said, “Toby, I love you, buddy. I hope I sing this song good for you.”

Accompanied by Brooks & Dunn, Bradshaw delivered a deeply moving version of “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” The crowd listened in reverent silence, then erupted into warm applause as he finished—a powerful tribute to a country icon gone too soon.

Watch the video below to see Terry Bradshaw’s emotional performance in honor of his dear friend, Toby Keith. 💔🎶