Country artist Toby Keith will not back out of performing at President-elect Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration celebration, saying in a statement that he will not “apologize” for performing for the country and its military.
The 55-year-old “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” singer was announced as an inauguration performer along with rock band 3 Doors Down and Country singer Lee Greenwood.
“I don’t apologize for performing for our country or military,” Keith said in a statement. “I performed at events for previous presidents [George W.] Bush and [Barack] Obama and over 200 shows in Iraq and Afghanistan for the USO.”
Keith’s statement comes as other artists, including Elton John and Garth Brooks, have publicly rejected invitations to perform at the inauguration.
Keith, 3 Doors Down and several other artists will perform January 19 at the pre-inauguration “Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration.” Actor and Trump supporter Jon Voight is expected to attend, and Trump himself will reportedly speak at the event
