Grab the tissues.

Brooks & Dunn brought out a legend on stage the other night in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Terry Bradshaw is genuinely a man of many talents. The famed NFL quarterback had a successful career in the league and is still a game commentator, but Bradshaw is more than a sports guru. He’s also an actor, a country singer, and a respected Quarter Horse breeder.

Bradshaw lived in Thackerville, Oklahoma, for a long time, running his equine operation from his 74-acre ranch. However, he sold the property last year and relocated closer to the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

While he no longer lives there, he’s very familiar with Winstar, and when Brooks & Dunn graced the stage, they asked him to join them during the show.

Kix Brooks introduced him to the stage, and the arena filled with applause as the Hall of Famer walked out onto the stage. Meanwhile, Brooks noted that he “might sing” for the audience. However, we all know this moment was planned. Before diving into this song of choice, Bradshaw addresses the crowd, explaining why he honored Toby Keith during his time on stage.

“This song I’m about to try and sing for you is a song that a good friend of mine wrote. And uh, he and I had cancer at the same time. I’m talking about Toby Keith. We used to film commercials together, and I’m in the Quarter Horse business; he’s in the Thoroughbred business. And my Thoroughbred buddy is here tonight, Steve Davis is behind the skirts over here. 

But Toby and I would have a talk, and I’d say, ‘Hey, Bud, how are you doing?’ And he’d say, ‘Man, one day good, one day bad. God’s got a plan for me, I don’t know.’ And I said, ‘Well, hang in there, I’m praying for you.’ And he said, ‘I’m praying for you, buddy.’”

Bradshaw then went on to share some details about his battle with cancer, about how he fought off one kind before he was diagnosed with a second cancer. Bradshaw then jokes that he really appreciates Brooks & Dunn for having him out to the show and opening up for him.

“I appreciate you guys for opening up for me tonight. I really do. Anyway, Kix called me the other day and said, ‘I heard you sing this song in Branson,’ and he said, ‘Would you come sing it when we are at Winstar?’”

Bradshaw says that at first he was hesitant because he was used to singing in front of a 200-person crowd with a much older audience base, not a small arena that Brooks & Dunn fills out.

“They’re all about 80 years old and can’t hear me. I never got a standing ovation because, quite honestly, they can’t get up.” 

Bradshaw continued to crack jokes before diving into “Don’t Let The Old Man In,” noting that he hopes he does the song justice and remembers the words. But thankfully they printed out the words for him to lay at his feet. He told the audience that he could hardly see them, though, so if they saw him squinting, they would have to give him a good ole. “Bless his heart.”

Lastly, before the band starts the song, Bradshaw says a few words to his old friend:

“Toby, I love you, buddy. I hope I sing this song good for you.”

I know that Toby was looking down on Terry Bradshaw and Brooks & Dunn at that moment, beaming. Terry Bradshaw did this song justice, and it chokes you up listening to it, not only because of the moving lyrics, but also because you know that Keith and Bradshaw are bonded in a way unlike others, having battled cancer at the same time.

While Toby Keith lost his, Terry Bradshaw is here to ensure folks don’t forget his legacy.

This one will leave you with a tear-stained face… Check it out.