In a heartwarming announcement that has resonated deeply within the country music community and beyond, Stelen Covel, the only son of the late country music legend Toby Keith, and his wife Haley have welcomed their first child—a beautiful baby girl named Millie Brooks Covel. The news, shared via social media on August 15, 2025, marks a joyous milestone for the young family, coming just over a year after the passing of Toby Keith, who left an indelible mark on American music and culture. As fans and family alike celebrate this new arrival, it serves as a poignant reminder of life’s continuity, blending grief with hope and underscoring the enduring legacy of one of country’s most iconic figures. Millie Brooks Covel, born in the summer of 2025, represents the fourth grandchild for the Keith family, a beacon of new beginnings amid the shadows of loss.
Toby Keith, born Toby Keith Covel on July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma, rose from humble beginnings to become a towering presence in country music. His journey began in the oil fields of Oklahoma, where he worked as a derrick hand before pursuing music full-time. Keith’s breakthrough came in the early 1990s with his self-titled debut album in 1993, featuring hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he released 19 studio albums, selling over 40 million records worldwide. Known for his patriotic anthems such as “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” and heartfelt ballads like “As Good as I Once Was,” Keith’s music blended traditional country with rock influences, earning him numerous accolades, including the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year award and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.
Keith’s larger-than-life persona extended beyond music. He was a businessman, owning a chain of restaurants called Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, and a staunch supporter of the U.S. military, performing over 200 shows for troops overseas through the USO. His philanthropy included founding the Toby Keith Foundation in 2006, which supports children battling cancer via the OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for pediatric cancer patients in Oklahoma City. Diagnosed with stomach cancer in June 2021, Keith battled the disease privately while continuing to perform, announcing his condition publicly in June 2022. He passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62, surrounded by family. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow artists like Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood, and even President Joe Biden, who awarded him the National Medal of Arts posthumously. Keith’s legacy is not just in his music but in his unapologetic patriotism, resilience, and family values—traits evidently passed down to his children.
At the heart of Toby Keith’s life was his family. He married Tricia Lucus on March 24, 1984, after meeting her at an Oklahoma nightclub where his band performed. Their enduring partnership, lasting nearly 40 years until his death, was a cornerstone of his public image. Together, they raised three children: Shelley Covel Rowland (born 1980, adopted from Tricia’s previous relationship), Krystal Keith (born 1985), and Stelen Keith Covel (born 1997). Keith often spoke of his family as his greatest achievement, prioritizing them over fame. “My family is everything,” he said in a 2018 interview with People magazine. “Music is my job, but they’re my life.”
Shelley, the eldest, has largely stayed out of the spotlight, focusing on her own family. She is married to Brian Rowland and has two children, making Millie her niece. Krystal followed in her father’s footsteps, pursuing a music career with albums like Whiskey & Lace (2013) and performing duets with Toby, such as “Mockingbird” at the 2004 Country Music Association Awards. Krystal is married to Andrew Sandubrae and has two daughters, Kirby and Hensley, who were Toby’s first grandchildren. Stelen, the youngest and only son, has carved a unique path, blending business acumen with a low-key lifestyle, much like his father’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Stelen Keith Covel, born on April 17, 1997, in Oklahoma, grew up immersed in the world of country music but chose a different trajectory. Raised in Norman, Oklahoma, where the family resided on a sprawling ranch, Stelen enjoyed a childhood filled with outdoor activities, sports, and family gatherings. He attended Norman North High School, where he excelled in athletics, particularly football and basketball, echoing his father’s love for sports—Keith was a semi-pro football player in his youth. Stelen’s upbringing was grounded in Midwestern values, with Toby emphasizing education and independence. “I want my kids to stand on their own,” Keith once told Rolling Stone. After high school, Stelen pursued higher education at the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a degree in business administration in 2019. His time at OU was marked by involvement in fraternity life and entrepreneurial ventures, foreshadowing his career in real estate.
Post-graduation, Stelen dove into the business world, leveraging his family’s connections while forging his own identity. He works as a real estate investor and developer in Oklahoma, focusing on commercial properties and residential projects. Sources describe him as savvy and ambitious, with a portfolio that includes investments in Norman and Oklahoma City. Stelen has also dabbled in the family business, assisting with Toby Keith’s restaurant chain and foundation efforts. Unlike his sister Krystal, he has shunned the limelight, preferring privacy amid his father’s fame. Social media glimpses show him enjoying hunting, golfing, and time with friends, often posting about Oklahoma Sooners football games. “Stelen’s got his dad’s work ethic but his mom’s quiet strength,” a family friend told Us Weekly in 2023.
Stelen’s personal life took a romantic turn when he met Haley Rosenwelter, now Haley Covel. The couple’s love story began in Oklahoma, where Haley, born in 1998, grew up in a similar small-town environment. Haley attended the University of Oklahoma as well, studying marketing and becoming involved in campus activities. They started dating around 2018, with their relationship blossoming amid shared interests in travel, outdoor adventures, and family. Stelen proposed in a romantic setting in 2021, and they tied the knot on November 6, 2021, in a lavish ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada. The wedding, attended by family including Toby (who walked Haley down the aisle in a touching gesture), featured country music elements and Vegas glamour. Photos shared on social media captured the joy, with Toby beaming proudly. “Best day ever,” Stelen captioned a post, while Haley wrote, “Forever with my best friend.”
The couple settled in Norman, Oklahoma, building a life centered on family and career. Haley works in marketing and social media, often collaborating on charitable events for the Toby Keith Foundation. Their marriage has been described as solid and supportive, with mutual respect evident in public appearances. In the wake of Toby’s cancer diagnosis, Stelen and Haley grew even closer, supporting the family through treatments and emotional challenges. Toby’s death in 2024 was a profound loss, but Stelen has honored his father by continuing foundation work and sharing tributes online. “Dad taught me everything—love, loyalty, and laughter,” he posted on the first anniversary of Toby’s passing.
The announcement of their pregnancy came on February 13, 2025—Valentine’s Day eve—via Instagram, where Stelen and Haley shared a selfie holding sonogram images. “Baby Covel coming this summer,” they captioned, eliciting thousands of congratulatory messages from fans and celebrities alike. The post included a nod to Toby, with a caption reading, “Can’t wait to make you a grandpa again.” The pregnancy was a source of joy during a period of mourning, symbolizing renewal. Haley documented her journey subtly on social media, sharing bump photos and healthy lifestyle tips, while maintaining privacy. “This little one is already so loved,” she wrote in May 2025.
The birth of Millie Brooks Covel was announced on August 15, 2025, with a tender Instagram post featuring a black-and-white photo of the newborn’s tiny hand grasping her parents’ fingers. “Millie is here. We love you so much little girl,” the caption read, accompanied by heart emojis. The name Millie Brooks Covel holds special significance: Millie is a classic name meaning “gentle strength,” evoking Toby’s resilient spirit, while Brooks honors Toby’s middle name (Toby Keith’s full name was Toby Keith Covel, but “Brooks” may reference a family connection or the country singer Brooks & Dunn, friends of Toby). Family sources confirm the middle name is a tribute to Toby’s love for country music roots. “It’s a name full of meaning,” Krystal Keith commented on the post.
Reactions poured in swiftly. Krystal shared, “Auntie can’t wait to spoil you, Millie!” while Shelley posted a family photo collage. Country stars like Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert congratulated the couple, with Aldean writing, “Toby’s smiling down on this.” Fans on X and Instagram flooded with messages, using hashtags like #BabyCovel and #TobyKeithLegacy. “What a beautiful way to carry on Toby’s spirit,” one fan wrote. The announcement trended on social media, amassing over a million views in hours.
This birth not only expands the Covel family but also perpetuates Toby Keith’s legacy. As his only son, Stelen bears the weight of continuing the family name, now with a new generation. Millie arrives as the fourth grandchild, joining her cousins in a lineage rich with music and philanthropy. Stelen has expressed interest in introducing her to Toby’s songs, planning to play “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” as a lullaby. The Toby Keith Foundation has seen renewed donations in honor of the birth, with supporters viewing Millie as a symbol of hope.
Looking ahead, Stelen and Haley plan a quiet family life in Oklahoma, balancing parenthood with careers. Stelen’s real estate ventures are expanding, potentially incorporating sustainable developments inspired by Toby’s environmental advocacy. Haley may launch a mommy blog or foundation initiative for young families. As Millie grows, she’ll undoubtedly hear stories of her grandfather’s greatness—from his chart-topping hits to his heroic support for veterans.
In reflecting on this milestone, one can’t help but see the full circle of life. Toby Keith, who once sang about family in “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” would be proud. Stelen’s journey from son of a legend to father of his own legacy embodies resilience and love. Congratulations to the Covel family—may Millie Brooks bring as much joy as her grandfather brought to the world.