“Yesterday Was a Dream Come True”: Krystal Keith, Toby Keith’s Daughter, Sings National Anthem at NFL Game

The late, great Toby Keith would have been so thrilled to see what his daughter, Krystal, 40, did yesterday. She performed the National Anthem at the game in Pittsburgh between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, November 16. It was a very meaningful occasion for the Keiths, kind of a re-visit to emotion-laden past history. That history came full circle, thanks to Krystal.

Toby Keith died in 2024 at the age of 62 from stomach cancer. A bona fide country music legend, he sang the Anthem at the inaugural NFL contest at Acrisure Stadium 24 years ago. That was in 2001, when patriotism was running high following the tragic events of 9/11. Like the football game yesterday, it pitted the Steelers against the Bengals. For Krystal and her family, it was a day she will never, ever forget. Per the Instagram account of Acrisure Stadium, she also did two songs of Toby’s at halftime – “American Soldier” and “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”

She Posted About It With Pride and Love

Krystal wrote a moving message on

“>Instagramabout the special, triumphant day. (A video recaps the best moments of the event.) She wrote, “Yesterday was a dream come true. Every moment of sitting on my dad’s lap as a kid watching The Bus plow through defenders came rushing back when I stepped on Heinz field. I have proudly worn @steelers colors my entire life and properly introducing my girls to my team in Steel city and honoring both my dad and servicemen and women by singing the anthem and doing the half time show was such an honor.”

She added, “My dad was the first person to sing the anthem in this stadium in 2001 right after 9/11. Steelers dominated the @bengals then and they happened to also be playing the bengals again for yesterday’s game and they pulled off another victory! That makes us 2-0 as a family. The Keith/Steelers winning streak continues! Thank you @steelers for having us. It was an honor.”

Fans Also Weighed in With Messages of Enthusiasm and Emotion

Noted one, “Krystal, you sounded wonderful!!! We are season ticket holders and as far back as Three Rivers Stadium to present time…I remember your dad singing the National Anthem!! My husband and I saw every one of your Dad’s concerts when he visited Pittsburgh!!! The Shannon family love[s] the Keith family and I pray for you all everyday!! I had no idea you all were going to be there, what a great surprise!!”

Said another, “Lifetime Steelers and Toby fan here!!”

“Nice to have you in our town,” opined a third person.

This post sums it up beautifully. “I think Pittsburgh has a special place in their heart(s) for the Keith Family!!! Thank you!!!”