Six months after the country music world mourned the loss of Toby Keith, his enduring legacy is celebrated with the release of what is now known as Toby Keith’s last song. A poignant collaboration with fellow country star Luke Combs, the track is a cover of Joe Diffie’s “Ships That Don’t Come In,” and it serves as a powerful reminder of Keith’s impact on music. The official video for this moving studio session between Combs and Keith has recently been released, offering fans a bittersweet glimpse into Keith’s final recording.
Luke Combs himself expressed the significance of this collaboration. “To be on a song with Toby was a no-brainer,” Combs stated in a press release, highlighting a long-held aspiration to work with the country icon. This dream became a reality with “Ships That Don’t Come In,” marking Toby Keith’s final studio performance before his passing in February, making it a truly special release for both artists and fans alike.
The collaboration carries even deeper meaning as it connects three generations of country music. Combs shared that Joe Diffie, who passed away in 2020, had presented him with his Opry membership award. This connection to Diffie, along with his admiration for both artists, made the project particularly resonant for Combs. “I grew up listening to both of those guys’ music, so to be a part of this version of the song and it now be Toby’s last recording is kind of hard to put into words,” he reflected. Combs poignantly added, “Country music misses them greatly, but I hope we’re doing justice to continue what they started.”
The song is part of Hardy’s Hixtape Vol. 3: Difftape, a tribute album featuring 17 duets of Joe Diffie classics. Released in March, the album showcases a wide array of artists including Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Chris Young, and Clint Black, all paying homage to Diffie’s enduring catalog. Notably, “Ships That Don’t Come In” also incorporates previously unreleased vocals from Joe Diffie himself, recorded in 2016, adding another layer of depth to this tribute.
Toby Keith’s death followed a battle with stomach cancer, a fight he had been waging for several years. Joe Diffie tragically passed away at 61 due to complications from Covid-19 in March 2020. This collaboration, now Toby Keith’s last song, stands as a heartfelt testament to the legacies of both Keith and Diffie, ensuring their music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences for years to come.
