Toby Keith Responds to Critics Over Trump Inauguration Concert Performance
Toby Keith is not backing down from his decision to perform at an inauguration concert for president-elect Donald Trump.
The country star is slated to perform at the Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration on Jan. 19 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. and is standing up for his decision to accept the invitation in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “I don’t apologize for performing for our country or military,” he says. “I performed at events for previous presidents [George W.] Bush and [Barack] Obama and over 200 shows in Iraq and Afghanistan for the USO.”
Other talent performing alongside Keith at the concert leading up to the inauguration ceremony include fellow country star and "God Bless the USA" singer Lee Greenwood, the Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, America's Got Talent star Jackie Evancho and pop-rock group 3 Doors Down, who recently performed at Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam in Nashville.
Keith and Greenwood aren't the only country acts who are making an appearance at Trump's inauguration festivities. It was recently announced that Big & Rich will serve as headliners at Great America Alliance’s Inaugural Gala on Jan. 19, while Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts will take the stage at the 2017 Veterans Inaugural Ball on Jan. 20 alongside top Nashville songwriters Neil Thrasher and Wendell Mobley.
Country Stars Sound off About 2016 Election
Garth Brooks has also spoken out about a potential performance when a TMZ reporter asked if he would accept an invitation had it been extended. “It’s always about serving. It’s what you do,” he responds. Brooks has always been middle of the road when it comes to politics, calling for more unity amongst the people and not openly endorsing a candidate in the 2016 election.
See All Stars Set to Perform Inauguration Concerts Thus Far