Zach Bryan, a rising country artist, honored the memory of the late Toby Keith during his pre-Super Bowl performance in Las Vegas on Saturday. The heartfelt tribute included a powerful rendition of Keith's iconic 2002 hit, "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue."

Ahead of his show at the Cosmopolitan on Friday, Bryan took to Twitter to express his admiration for Keith's song. He described it as "just one of the best songs ever made" and revealed how meaningful it was for him to perform it alongside the audience. Bryan was among numerous country artists who paid their respects to Keith following the news of his passing at the age of 62 after battling stomach cancer.

Keith's family released a statement confirming that the beloved singer "passed peacefully" and was surrounded by loved ones. They praised his resilience and grace throughout his fight with cancer. The news of Keith's death deeply saddened Bryan, prompting him to express his grief on social media. He reminisced about listening to Keith's music during car rides with his father and referred to the legendary singer as "a hero."

Additionally, Bryan defended Keith against critics of his political stance and outspoken opinions. He found the negativity surrounding Keith's beliefs to be aggravating and emphasized the importance of recognizing Keith's talent as a songwriter and the genuine connection he had with his patriotic songs. Bryan encouraged others to celebrate Keith's contributions instead of focusing on the negative aspects.

The tribute by Zach Bryan during his pre-Super Bowl performance demonstrated the lasting impact and influence of Toby Keith's music. As the country music community and fans continue to mourn Keith's passing, his patriotic anthems and songwriting prowess will be celebrated and remembered for years to come.

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