Grab Your Tissues: Watch Toby Keith's Final Studio Session with Luke Combs on 'Ships That Don’t Come In'

It's hard to believe it's been six months since the world of country music dimmed with the loss of one of its brightest stars, the incomparable Toby Keith. Known for his larger-than-life persona, unforgettable hits, and unwavering patriotism, Toby left an indelible mark on the genre that will resonate for generations. Just a month after we said our final goodbyes, the release of HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE paid tribute not only to the legendary Joe Diffie but now also stands as a powerful homage to Toby himself.

Via Hixtape YouTube

In a touching tribute to the man who gave us so many unforgettable moments, last night NBC aired Toby Keith: American Icon, a two-hour concert special celebrating Toby's life and legacy. For those who missed the broadcast, it’s available now on Peacock, offering fans a chance to witness a night filled with love, laughter, and of course, country music. The star-studded lineup featured performances and appearances by some of the biggest names in the industry, including HARDY, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and Trace Adkins, all coming together to honor a true country icon.

But perhaps the most poignant moment of the night came from never-before-seen footage that pulled back the curtain on Toby's final recording session. Captured during the creation of HIXTAPE, the video shows Toby in the studio, giving his all as he recorded his contribution to the project. The song, a powerful rendition of Joe Diffie’s classic "Ships That Don’t Come In," also features the unmistakable voice of Luke Combs, making it a collaboration for the ages.

Released alongside the special was the official studio video of the session, now available to the public. The clip is more than just a recording—it's a glimpse into the last moments Toby spent doing what he loved most. As the video unfolds, we see Toby and Luke pouring their hearts into the song, their voices blending in a way that can only be described as magical. This recording session, which took place in Nashville last year, would become Toby’s final time behind the mic—a bittersweet milestone for a man whose voice has been a cornerstone of country music for decades.

Luke Combs, reflecting on the experience, shared his deep gratitude for the opportunity to work with Toby in a press statement. "To be on a song with Toby was a no-brainer when it got presented to me," Combs said. "That was something I had always hoped to do but never knew if it would happen or not. It being one of Joe’s songs, especially this one, made it even better; he was there the night I got inducted into the Opry and actually gave me my Opry member award. I grew up listening to both of those guys’ music, so to be a part of this version of the song and it now be Toby’s last recording is kind of hard to put into words. Country music misses them greatly, but I hope we’re doing justice to continue what they started."

As you watch the video, it's impossible not to feel the weight of what Toby Keith meant to country music, and the deep sense of loss that still lingers. His voice, strong and steady, is a reminder of the timeless quality he brought to every song he touched. But more than that, the video is a testament to the bond shared among country artists, a community that stands together through thick and thin, celebrating each other’s triumphs and mourning each other’s losses.

So, grab a box of tissues and take a moment to watch this heartfelt tribute. It's a chance to honor Toby Keith, not just as a country music star, but as the American icon he truly was. His legacy will live on in the music he left behind, in the memories we hold dear, and in the hearts of fans who will forever miss him. Toby may be gone, but his music—and the impact he had on the world—will echo for years to come.