All About Toby Keith’s 3 Children: Meet Oldest Daughter Shelley Covel Rowland, Krystal, and Stelen

Toby Keith, the legendary country singer who passed away in February 2024 after battling stomach cancer, left behind not just a vast catalog of music but also a loving family that continues to cherish his memory. Among those who carry forward his spirit are his three children, including his oldest daughter, Shelley Covel Rowland. Raised alongside her siblings, Krystal and Stelen, Shelley has had a front-row seat to her father’s monumental career and, more importantly, the legacy of love, kindness, and family that he left behind.

Shelley Covel Rowland: The Eldest Daughter Who Keeps Her Father’s Spirit Alive

Shelley Rowland, Toby Keith, Tricia Lucus and Krystal Keith attend the SwingDish launch event at The Country Club at Wynn Las Vegas on Aug. 18, 2015.
Source: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images

Shelley Covel Rowland, born in October 1980, is Toby Keith’s eldest child, though she was the daughter of Tricia Lucus from a previous relationship. When Tricia and Toby married in 1984, Shelley was just a toddler, and the country star adopted her as his own. Shelley, now 44, has generally kept her life out of the public eye, but her connection to her father and family legacy remains steadfast.

While Shelley is not as involved in the spotlight as her siblings, she has made significant public appearances in recent years. In 2015, she joined her father and sister, Krystal, at the launch event for SwingDish in Las Vegas, showcasing her involvement in the family’s initiatives. Her most recent public appearance was in June 2024 at a fundraising event for the Toby Keith Foundation, where she shared heartfelt words about her father. At this event, she raised a toast to Toby, holding his signature red Solo cup in tribute. She expressed gratitude for the ongoing charitable work her father championed through his foundation.

Shelley’s presence at these events reminds him of the strong family bonds Toby Keith cherished throughout his life. Despite her low-key social media presence, Shelley continues to carry on the lessons and values her father instilled in her, honoring his legacy in every way she can.

Krystal Keith: The Musician Who Follows in Her Father’s Footsteps

Toby Keith and his daughter Krystal on stage at the CMA Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House Nov. 9, 2004, in Nashville.
Source: Frank Micelotta / Getty Images

Krystal Keith, born in September 1985, is Toby Keith’s second child, and like her father, she’s pursued a music career. At 38, Krystal is a gifted country singer-songwriter known for her album Whiskey & Lace, released in 2013. Growing up surrounded by music, Krystal’s admiration for her dad’s success shaped her passion for the craft. But it wasn’t always an easy road.

Krystal’s connection to her father was deeply personal, and she often performed alongside him, including at the 2004 CMA Awards, where they sang “Mockingbird,” a memorable moment for both father and daughter. She fondly recalls how much she learned from Toby, whose influence shaped her style while allowing her to find her voice in the music world.

Following her father’s passing in 2024, Krystal was among those who carried his musical torch, performing his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In” at a tribute event in Nashville. Her emotional performance resonated with audiences as she honored the man who had been her music mentor and her hero as a father and husband.

In addition to her music career, Krystal is a devoted mother. She is married to Andrew Sandubrae, and they have two daughters, Kirby and Hensley. Though her music career has taken a backseat to motherhood in recent years, Krystal continues to be inspired by her father’s resilience, often sharing her memories of their time on the road and how they shaped her personally and professionally. The emotional loss of Toby Keith was profound for Krystal, who wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post, “He was my hero.”

Stelen Keith Covel: The Family’s Real Estate Entrepreneur

Toby Keith’s son, Stelen Keith Covel.
Source: Stelen Covel/instagram

Stelen Keith Covel, born in 1996, is Toby Keith’s only son, and though he’s kept a lower profile than his musical sisters, he has a strong presence in his own right. At 27, Stelen has carved out a successful real estate and entrepreneurship career. He is the co-owner of several business ventures, including restaurants such as 405 Burger Bar, Hollywood Corners, and Tequila Chulos. His business acumen reflects his father’s influence, who often spoke of the importance of family over fame, and his dedication to providing for those closest to him.

Stelen married Haley Covel in 2021, and together, they have supported Toby’s legacy professionally and personally. Just days after his father’s passing, Stelen posted a touching tribute on social media, sharing a childhood photo of himself and Toby, writing, “You are the strongest man I have ever known. My guiding star, my coach, my hero.” Stelen’s tribute celebrated his father as a music icon and as the loving father and husband who impacted his life deeply.

Shelley’s Role in the Family After Toby Keith’s Passing

Following her father’s death on February 5, 2024, after his brave battle with stomach cancer, Shelley, along with her siblings Krystal and Stelen, has been an integral part of honoring Toby Keith’s legacy. The family participated in the NBC special, Toby Keith: American Icon, a moving tribute filmed at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The outpouring of love and respect visibly touched Shelley and other family members for her late father, whose impact on country music and beyond was immeasurable.

Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen continue to honor their father’s memory, not only through their works but also through the charitable initiatives he supported during his lifetime, such as the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Corral, which provides a zero-cost home for families of sick children.

In an emotional moment during the event, Krystal Keith, Toby’s younger daughter, performed his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” which was part of his final performance before his death. The event also featured performances from Jelly Roll, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Eric Church, with portions of ticket sales going toward Toby’s charitable causes, a cause close to his heart. “Nothing meant more to him than his family,” said Jelly Roll before Shelley spoke, setting the tone for the evening’s celebration of her father’s life.

FAQs

Who are Toby Keith’s children? Toby Keith had three children: Shelley Covel Rowland (his eldest daughter, whom he adopted), Krystal Keith (his second daughter and a country music singer), and Stelen Keith Covel (his son, a real estate entrepreneur).

What tribute did Krystal Keith perform for her father? Krystal Keith performed an emotional rendition of “Don’t Let the Old Man In” during the NBC unique Toby Keith: American Icon in 2024, honoring her father’s legacy.

What was Toby Keith’s relationship with his children? Toby Keith was deeply devoted to his family. His children have consistently expressed that he was a successful musician and a loving father and husband who taught them the importance of family, giving, and living authentically.

How did Stelen Keith pay tribute to his father after his death? Stelen Keith shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, posting a throwback photo of himself and his father, calling him his “guiding star” and “hero.” He expressed his admiration for Toby not just as a musician but as a father.