American Country Countdown Awards honor Merle Haggard

Toby Keith performed a tribute to the late legend Merle Haggard during the American Country Countdown Awards on Sunday.|
KRISTIN M. HALL
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Singer and songwriter Toby Keith performed a tribute to the late legend Merle Haggard during the American Country Countdown Awards on Sunday.

Dick Clark Productions and Cumulus Media announced on Thursday that the awards show would include the special tribute to the "Okie from Muskogee" singer and songwriter, who died on his 79th birthday on April 6. Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey introduced the performance.

Keith performed with Haggard's longtime backing band, The Strangers, which includes his son Ben. Haggard's widow, Theresa, was also in attendance.

Other performers for the show included Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Hunt and Cam.

The show aired live on Fox from the Forum in Inglewood, California.

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This story has been corrected to show announcement was Thursday, not Wednesday.

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