Standridge Files Legislation to Honor Toby Keith

OKLAHOMA CITY — Senator Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, today introduced Senate Bill 1475 to recognize the life and extraordinary achievements of country music superstar Toby Keith by naming a local bridge and future roadway developments in his honor.

A world-renowned singer-songwriter, longtime Norman resident, successful businessman and proud patriot, Keith died in February 2024 at age 62 following an extended battle with stomach cancer. Before rising to international fame, Keith worked as a roughneck and played defensive end for the Oklahoma City Drillers. The Oklahoma native later broke into the country music scene, where he spent decades producing chart-topping albums and hit singles that cemented his legacy as one of the most influential artists in the genre.

“Toby Keith remains the greatest country and western star Oklahoma has ever produced, without question,” Standridge said. “Beyond being a mega-superstar entertainer, Toby was a proud patriot who consistently supported our nation and its military, both in person and through his music. Toby is dearly missed, but his music and his impact on Oklahoma, the nation and the world will live on for generations.”

SB 1475 would name the bridge over Interstate 35 at Indian Hills Road in Norman the Toby Keith Memorial Bridge. If, over time, a new bridge or interchange is built at the same location, it would be named the Toby Keith Memorial Interchange. 

As part of this legislation, Senator Standridge also intends to seek that the spur that will likely someday stretch west from the Indian Hills Road bridge over I-35 to connect with Interstate 44 be named the Toby Keith Parkway. The resulting bridge over the Canadian River on this spur near I-44 would be named the Should’ve Been a Cowboy Bridge, after Keith’s first hit single.

Under SB 1475, Senator Standridge also seeks to establish a method for private citizens, including members of Keith’s family, to contribute to the creation of artwork on any new bridge or interchange on a new spur or highway going across at Indian Hills Road and I-35.

Furthermore, the Keith family would have the ability to commission artwork to honor the legendary country singer. If private funds are raised, the appropriate state transportation agency would add the family-approved artwork to the new interchange.

In envisioning what kind of artwork the Keith family might consider, Senator Standridge said:

“I would defer completely to the family that has lived in my district for many years, but personally, I can picture a profile rendering of Toby in his hat, with a guitar in his hands, framed by an American flag.”

SB 1475 will be eligible for consideration when the Legislature convenes on Feb. 2.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Lisa Standridge at (405) 521-5535 or Lisa.Standridge@oksenate.gov