NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Toby Keith, James Burton and John Anderson on Monday became the newest members to join Country Music Hall of Fame.

Country Music Association announced the 2024 inductees in Nashville, Tennessee, with Burton, a guitarist who was Elvis Presley’s band leader, entering in the recording/touring musician category. Keith, who did days after voting for inductees concluded, joins as the modern era artist. Anderson joins as the veteran era artist.

Formal induction will take place with a ceremony this fall.

While a celebratory ceremony focused on all three of the artists' contributions, the event took a somber tone to reflect the passing of Keith, who died from stomach cancer in February.

“My heart sank that … knowing that we missed the chance to inform Toby while he was still with us, but I have no doubt that he's smiling down on us, knowing that he'll always be ‘as good as he once was,’" said Sarah Trahern, CEO of Country Music Association.

Keith, a hit-crafter of pro-U.S. anthems that riled critics and was loved by millions of fans, died Feb. 5. The induction vote was finalized Feb. 2.

Burton said he initially thought he was being pranked when he got the call sharing the news that he was being inducted.

“So much of my career was spent playing for incredible country artists and to now be going up on that wall with all those innovators and industry greats is just incredible,” Burton said.

Anderson has enjoyed a sweeping discography spanning more than 40 years, with particular breakout fame in the 1970s and 1990s. That included the career-defining hit “Seminole Wind.”

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