Toby Keith will posthumously receive an honorary degree from the University of Oklahoma, located in the late country legend’s home state. Keith passed away on Feb. 5 following a years-long battle with stomach cancer at the age of 62; he will be honored at the University of Oklahoma commencement ceremony next month.
The University of Oklahoma announced the “four outstanding individuals” who will receive honorary degrees this year. Others include educator, economist and activist Barbara Ann Posey Jones, founder of Love’s Travel Stops and university supporter Tom E. Love, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient for his work on Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 spacecraft missions David Proctor. University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. said in a statement: “Through their exceptional talents, transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to serving others, each of this year’s Honorary Degree recipients has left an indelible mark on the world. Their profound dedication has touched countless lives, and we take great pride in conferring the university’s highest honor upon them.”
The caption on a post on Keith’s Instagram account announcing his honorary degree read: “Toby will be awarded an honorary degree at @uofoklahoma’s Commencement ceremony next month. Toby was an avid OU sports fan and longtime donor. #BoomerSooner”
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