The Country Music Hall Of Fame has announced their 2024 inductees. Along with long-time Nashville musician James Burton being inducted in “Recording and/or Touring Musician” category, two country performers also got the call: 80s and 90s superstar John Anderson, and the late Toby Keith.

Anderson, who resided on country radio for twenty years and put out such classics as “Swingin’,” “Straight Tequila Night” and “Seminole Wind,” said of the honor, “After several days, I am still trying to grasp the reality of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. It is one of the greatest honors I could ever receive. My love and heartfelt gratitude goes out to the fans who have supported me through the years, everyone at the Country Music Hall of Fame and all of those who made this possible. I am proud and honored beyond words.”

Toby Keith’s family also released a statement, saying “Toby’s passing left our hearts broken. We miss him so much, but we take comfort that his music and legacy will live forever. Thank you, Country Music Hall of Fame, for helping keep it alive.” Son Stelen Covel made a brief speech of gratitude on behalf of his family. Sarah Trahern, the Country Music Association’s CEO, explained during the announcement that she received the voting results on February 6, only a day after Keith passed after battling stomach cancer. Trahern had awakened the same morning to news of Keith’s death. When she saw the results that afternoon, she said, “my heart sank … knowing that we missed the chance to inform Toby while he was still with us.”

A formal induction ceremony for Burton, Anderson and Keith will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the CMA Theater this October.

See the entire induction announcement ceremony below.

Source: TheMusicUniverse