Once upon a time, I met Frankie, a fluffy Great Pyrenees puppy with one eye and three paws, in a shelter. At that moment, I felt a deep connection with him. You see, life had been really tough for me after losing my parents in a car crash. I was so sad that I even tried to hurt myself twice. But when I saw Frankie, something inside me clicked. It was like we were meant to be together.
Frankie wasn’t just a pet to me; he became my best friend, my rock. His love filled the hole in my heart left by my parents. I was so grateful for him that I made sure he had everything he needed, even when I was at work. I set up cameras at home just to keep an eye on him.
He loved snacks, belly rubs, and cuddles, and I loved him more than anything in the world. I told my girlfriend, Leslie, all about Frankie and how much he meant to me. She seemed to understand until we talked about moving in together.
One day, while we were looking for a house, Leslie said something that shocked me. She said Frankie couldn’t come with us. I thought she was joking at first, but she wasn’t. We argued for hours, but I refused to leave Frankie behind. He had saved me, and I couldn’t abandon him.
Leslie left in anger, and we didn’t talk for days. It was hard without her, but I knew I had to stand by Frankie. He was more than just a dog; he was my lifeline.
I realized then that any future partner would have to accept Frankie as part of our family. He was a symbol of my strength and healing, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him.
Weeks passed, and Leslie finally reached out to me. She wanted to make things work, but she still didn’t want Frankie around. I missed her, but I couldn’t give up Frankie for anyone.
Eventually, Leslie left, and I was heartbroken. But I stayed true to myself and Frankie. Then, one day, I found Frankie was gone. Leslie had taken him to a shelter while I was out. I was furious and hurt.
But fate had other plans. I found Frankie with a woman named Emma and her daughter Olivia. Frankie had brought them together, just like he did for me. Emma understood how much Frankie meant to me, and we formed a bond over our shared love for him.
In the end, Emma and I fell in love, and we got married. Frankie was there with us, a symbol of the love and strength that brought us together. Through all the ups and downs, Frankie showed us the power of love and resilience.
Our story may have had a rocky start, but in the end, we found happiness and love in the most unexpected places. And it’s all thanks to Frankie, our furry guardian angel.
Trace Adkins Reflects on Toby Keith’s Patriotic Legacy, Delivering an Emotional Rendition of ‘American Soldier’
Adkins said, quoting Keith, “Never apologize for being patriotic,” from the platform.
On July 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, Trace Adkins takes the stage at Bridgestone Arena. Image courtesy of Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Universal Music Group
In the two-hour NBC program Toby Keith: American Icon, Trace Adkins paid a moving homage to Toby Keith, recalling their many years of traveling together and the significant influence Keith had via his patriotism.
Adkins was one of the few artists that really know Toby Keith and the man behind the scenes, having been friends with Keith for many years and going on tours with. Adkins paused to remember the poignant message that Keith conveyed at the conclusion of each of his live performances before giving an incredibly emotional and beautiful rendition of “American Solider” in honor of Keith and his dedication to the military.
“I’ve known Toby for a very long time, and we did a lot of gigs together while on multiple tours together. I seem to recall that at the end of each performance he gave, he would always say, “Never apologize for being patriotic.” Every night, he said that, Adkins noted. And since, my God, he really did believe that, I realized while he was saying it that it was both a challenge to the rest of us and a window into Toby Keith’s personality.
Keith lived what he preached, and Adkins praised him for it. Keith had undertaken 11 USO Tours, performing in front of 256,000 soldiers and military families in 18 nations at over 285 engagements.
“He had a deep-rooted love and respect for the men and women who have served this country.” It was real, authentic, and meaningful. With a rich, baritone voice, he remarked, “I always respected him so much for that.” “Toby is someone I could talk about all night, but for now I’ll just say that I’m glad I got to know him and call him a friend. We miss you, Toby. Thank you.
Trace Adkins performed “American Solider” in a terrifying manner a short while later. On the screen behind him, pictures of Toby Keith and his numerous USO Tours displayed during his performance. Toby Keith: American Icon gave a truly remarkable performance, and it was undoubtedly an emotional time.
Written by Keith and Chuck Cannon, “American Solider” was published in November 2003. It can be found on the album Hi Shock’n Y’all and has an RIAA Platinum certification.
Among the many famous country musicians that gave their all to pay tribute to the late Toby Keith was Trace Adkins. Priscilla Block, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brett Favre, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, HARDY, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Krystal Keith, Ella Langley, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Leanne Morgan, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker, and Lainey Wilson were among the performers and special guests on the two-hour special.
The special featured a variety of musical performances that showcased Keith’s amazing songwriting and music, but it also emphasized his kindness and generosity by supporting The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Families from both groups seemed to tell the stories of how they were helped and supported when things were really hard.
NBC broadcast Toby Keith: American Icon on Wednesday, August 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The next day, Peacock will offer the episode for streaming.
On February 5, 2024, the legendary country music performer Toby Keith departed from this life due to stomach cancer. He had an astounding 32 No. 1 hits over his career and sold an astounding 40 million albums.
Given that he has achieved a chart-topping hit for 20 years running, including “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American),” “I Love This Bar,” “Beer For My Horses,” and “As Good As I Once Was,” it should come as no surprise that he is considered one of country music’s biggest hitmakers.
In addition to being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (after being admitted into the all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015), he has been awarded the National Medal of Arts and the prestigious Merle Haggard Spirit Award by the Academy of Country Music.
The Oklahoma native won three BMI Country Songwriter of the Year awards over his career in addition to the BMI Icon Award. In 2006, his popular song “As Good As I Once Was” won BMI’s Country Song of the Year.
To date, Toby Keith’s music has received 100 million terrestrial radio spins and over 10 billion streaming.
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