Legislature Adopts Resolution to Honor Toby Keith with Turnpike Naming
OKLAHOMA CITY – A concurrent resolution by Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore, and Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, honoring Oklahoma native and country music icon Toby Keith and supporting the naming of a planned turnpike in his memory was heard on the Senate floor today and adopted. House Concurrent Resolution 1019 recognizes Keith’s lasting impact on music, his deep Oklahoma roots and his legacy of service to the nation. The measure proposes naming the new turnpike corridor the Toby Keith Expressway . The measure was heard and adopted on the House floor on Feb. 25. "Toby Keith was more than a country music star. He was a proud Oklahoman who never forgot where he came from," Blair said. "Naming this turnpike in his honor is a fitting way to recognize a man who represented our state with ultimate patriotism and generosity." The planned route is part of the ACCESS Oklahoma Long-Range Plan and would extend from Interstate 44 east to Interstate 35 near Indian Hills Road, continuing east and north to Interstate 40 at the Kickapoo Turnpike. The project is intended to improve safety, strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. "Over the course of his legendary career, Toby Keith never forgot where he came from or what he stood for," said Standridge. "His Oklahoma roots shaped him, and his love of America defined him. He was a country music superstar and a true patriot. I can think of no better way to honor his memory than by naming this future stretch of Norman turnpike in his honor, creating a lasting tribute to the legacy he leaves behind." Born in Clinton and raised in Moore, Keith rose to national prominence with a career that included more than 40 million albums sold and over 20 No. 1 hits. His songs, including "Should’ve Been a Cowboy," "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" and "American Soldier," earned widespread acclaim and a loyal fan base. In addition to his musical success, Keith was known for his unwavering support of the U.S. military. He performed more than 300 shows on USO tours in combat zones, offering encouragement to American service members stationed overseas. Keith also made a lasting impact through his charitable work. After a devastating tornado struck his hometown of Moore in 2013, Keith organized the OK Twister Relief Concert to support families who lost their homes and faced significant hardship in the storm’s aftermath. He also created the Toby Keith Foundation , which has helped children with cancer since 2006, focusing on providing no-cost housing for families during treatment. In 2014, the foundation opened OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for pediatric cancer patients receiving care at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, the Stephenson Cancer Center and other nearby facilities. "Toby Keith’s legacy goes far beyond music," Blair said. "He spent years supporting our troops and helping families and children in some of the toughest moments imaginable. This turnpike designation is just a small way to ensure his impact will be remembered by generations to come." Keith died Feb. 5, 2024, following a battle with cancer. The resolution honors his life, patriotism and enduring contributions to Oklahoma and the nation.