The Untold Story Of Toby Keith's Three Children: How They Are Carrying His Legacy In 2024
The world of country music lost an icon in February 2024 with the passing of legendary singer Toby Keith, but his enduring legacy lives on powerfully through his family. His three children—Shelley Covel Rowland, Krystal Keith, and Stelen Keith Covel—have stepped into the spotlight in the wake of his death, not just as his grieving kin, but as a unified front determined to honor the man who was their father, mentor, and biggest fan. This article, updated for , delves into the personal and professional lives of Toby Keith's children, exploring their unique career paths, their deep bond, and the ways they are ensuring the "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" singer's spirit continues to resonate across the country music landscape and beyond.
Their recent joint public appearances, most notably at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, have offered a rare glimpse into the private lives of the Covel family. It is a story of adoption, musical inheritance, and entrepreneurial spirit, all rooted in the nearly four-decade-long marriage between Toby Keith and his beloved wife, Tricia Lucus.
Complete Biography and Profile of Toby Keith's Children
Toby Keith and his wife, Tricia Lucus, were married in 1984 after three years of dating and built a strong family foundation that included three children. Tricia had a daughter, Shelley, from a previous relationship, whom Toby Keith adopted when she was three years old. They later welcomed two more children, Krystal and Stelen. The family unit, often kept private, has recently shared more of their lives as they navigate the loss of their patriarch.
- Shelley Covel Rowland
- Relationship to Toby Keith: Adopted Daughter (Tricia Lucus's daughter from a previous relationship)
- Date of Birth: October 1980
- Age (as of 2025): 44-45
- Spouse: Unknown (Keeps a very private life)
- Career/Profession: Largely private, focusing on family life outside the public eye.
- Key Fact: She is the eldest of the three children and was adopted by Toby Keith when she was a young child, solidifying their father-daughter bond.
- Krystal Keith (Krystal Ladawn Covel Sandubrae)
- Relationship to Toby Keith: Biological Daughter
- Date of Birth: September 30, 1985
- Age (as of 2025): 39-40
- Spouse: Andrew Sandubrae
- Career/Profession: Country Music Singer, Songwriter.
- Key Fact: She is a signed country artist who famously duetted with her father on the song "Mockingbird" and co-wrote the emotional song "Daddy Dance With Me" for her wedding.
- Stelen Keith Covel
- Relationship to Toby Keith: Biological Son
- Date of Birth: April 17, 1997
- Age (as of 2025): 28
- Spouse: Haley Covel (née Balzer)
- Career/Profession: Entrepreneur, Business Consultant, Brand Development Manager, and Restaurant Owner/Director.
- Key Fact: He is a successful businessman in Oklahoma, owning and directing establishments like Tequila Chulos, 405 Burger Bar, and Hollywood Corners. He and his wife recently welcomed a baby girl, Millie, making Toby Keith a grandfather again shortly before his passing.
Krystal Keith: Carrying the Musical Torch and Honoring Her Father
Krystal Keith, the middle child, is the most publicly visible inheritor of her father's musical legacy. As a country music singer and songwriter, her career trajectory was heavily influenced by the icon. She was signed to her father's label, Show Dog Nashville, and released her debut album, Whiskey & Lace, in 2013.
Her work is deeply personal and often intersects with her family life. The song "Daddy Dance With Me," which she co-wrote for her wedding to Andrew Sandubrae, remains one of her most recognized and tear-jerking tracks, often played at father-daughter dances across the country.
Following a hiatus to focus on her family, Krystal has recently returned to the music scene, determined to keep her father's spirit alive through performance. In a powerful tribute, she sang the national anthem and two of her famous father’s songs at a Pittsburgh Steelers game, demonstrating her commitment to his patriotic and musical values. She continues to honor the man who made a lasting impact on the country music community with his undeniable talent and business acumen.
Her dedication is a clear reflection of the strong bond she shared with Toby Keith. She often speaks about watching her father's career and taking inspiration from his determination and creativity, ensuring that the Covel family name remains synonymous with authentic country music.
Stelen Covel's Entrepreneurial Spirit and Growing Family
While Krystal chose the stage, Toby Keith's only son, Stelen Keith Covel, chose the world of business and entrepreneurship. Born in 1997, Stelen has established himself as a successful figure in the Oklahoma business scene, a path that echoes his father's own ventures outside of music, such as his I Love This Bar and Grill restaurant chain and his involvement in the oil field work early in his life.
Stelen's portfolio is diverse, positioning him as a Business Consultant, Brand Development Manager, and the owner/director of several popular hospitality establishments. These include the Mexican-themed restaurant Tequila Chulos, the classic American diner 405 Burger Bar, and the music venue and bar Hollywood Corners. This diverse set of ventures highlights a keen business sense and a drive for success that mirrors his father's ambitious nature.
On a personal note, Stelen's life saw a major milestone just before his father's passing. He and his wife, Haley Covel, welcomed their daughter, Millie, into the world. This event brought immense joy to the Covel family and made Toby Keith a grandfather for the fourth time. The arrival of Millie is a poignant reminder of the continuation of the family line and the new generation carrying the Covel name.
Stelen’s commitment to his businesses and his role as a new father demonstrate a maturity and focus that speaks volumes about the values instilled by his parents, Toby Keith and Tricia Lucus. He represents the non-musical side of the Keith-Covel legacy, focusing on community and commerce.
Shelley Covel Rowland and the Family's United Front
The eldest of the three siblings, Shelley Covel Rowland, maintains the most private life, choosing to remain largely out of the public eye. Born in October 1980, she is Tricia Lucus's daughter from a previous relationship, but she was adopted by Toby Keith and has always been a core part of the Covel family unit.
Shelley's low profile is a testament to the family's ability to maintain privacy despite their father's superstar status. However, her presence alongside her siblings at major events, such as the 2024 CMT Music Awards, underscores the powerful and unbreakable bond between the three children. Their rare joint red carpet appearance was a deeply moving moment for fans and the country music community, serving as a public display of unity and strength in the face of loss.
This public moment, two months after Toby Keith's death, was more than just an appearance; it was an act of honoring their father's memory and acknowledging the support of his fans. They stood together, smiling and composed, representing Tricia Lucus and the entire family as their father was celebrated.
The Covel children’s collective presence at these high-profile events solidifies their role as the keepers of the Toby Keith legacy. They are the living embodiment of the family values and fierce loyalty that the country star championed throughout his life and career. Their unity ensures that the memory of the man behind the hits—the devoted husband, father, and grandfather—will be preserved for future generations.
The story of Toby Keith's children—Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen—is a powerful narrative of a family navigating grief while celebrating a monumental life. From Krystal's musical tributes to Stelen's growing business empire and Shelley's quiet, supportive presence, each child is honoring their father in their own unique and meaningful way. They are ensuring that the name Toby Keith Covel remains not just a chapter in country music history, but a vibrant, ongoing legacy of family, patriotism, and the American dream.
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