Country star and former The Voice Coach Blake Shelton had the benefit of Toby Keith’s guidance when he started his music career, and he shared his insights about their friendship during NBC’s Toby Keith: An American Icon special. Read on to see what Shelton said during his short but powerful video appearance.

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How Toby Keith Helped a Young Blake Shelton

“When I was just a starting artist in the music industry, Toby was the first big artist that gave me a chance,” Shelton said in a pre-taped segment during the broadcast.

Shelton speculated that Keith liked him because he was “a fellow Okie,” meaning he was from Oklahoma. Shelton was born in Ada, Oklahoma, and he and Gwen Stefani now have a farm there; Keith was from Clinton.

“I looked up to Toby, I learned a lot from being around him. Once you were in (that friendship), you were a lifelong member,” Shelton continued, adding, “There will never be another Toby Keith.”

It’s a sentiment he’s shared before. After Keith died of stomach cancer in February 2024, Shelton shared on social media, “Although I knew of your struggle these past months, I still didn’t imagine this day. Anyone who knew you knows what I mean. You were the strongest man I have ever met. Thank you, brother, for being a friend, a hero, and an inspiration. There will never be another Toby Keith.”

Blake Shelton’s Kind Words for Toby Keith

At the 2024 ACM Awards, Shelton gave a heartfelt speech in tribute to Keith. “As a friend, fan, and fellow Okie, I am heartbroken and yet honored to stand here tonight to remember a man who became one of the greatest country music stars of all time: the late, great Toby Keith,” he said, per Parade.

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He continued: “Toby was a huge star in every way… But ultimately, the impact Toby left was much more than that: Toby was a loving husband to his beautiful wife Tricia. He was a proud father to their three children and we are so honored and touched that Tricia and the children are all here with us tonight.”

Keith’s family was also present at the American icon recordings, where country superstars performed in his honor.