Shelley Covel Rowland is the eldest daughter of country music legend Toby Keith, born on October 21, 1980, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. While her father became one of the biggest names in country music, Shelley chose a very different path, living a quiet life away from the spotlight while building her own success in business and family life.
Early Life and Adoption
Shelley’s story begins before Toby Keith became famous. She was born to Tricia Lucus from a previous relationship. When Shelley was just three years old, her mother married Toby Keith in 1984. The country singer, who was still working on his music career at that time, adopted Shelley and raised her as his own daughter.
From the very beginning, Toby Keith made it clear that there would be no difference between his adopted daughter and his biological children. He treated Shelley with the same love and care, creating a strong family bond that would last throughout their lives. This decision showed his character and commitment to family values.
Growing up in Oklahoma, Shelley had a stable and loving childhood. Her mother, Tricia, played an important role in making sure the children had normal lives despite their father’s growing fame. Even as Toby Keith’s career took off and he started touring the country, the family remained close and focused on what mattered most.
Education and Personal Growth
Shelley Covel Rowland attended school in Oklahoma and later went to the University of Oklahoma, where she studied elementary education. She graduated in 2003 with her degree. Unlike her younger sister Krystal, who followed their father into the music industry, Shelley was more interested in education and business.
Her choice to stay away from the entertainment world was clear from the start. While she could have used her father’s fame to build a career in music or Hollywood, Shelley preferred to create her own path based on her interests and values.
Family Life and Marriage
In 2016, Shelley started dating Brian Skaggs, and the couple got married in March 2018. Their wedding was a private event, keeping with Shelley’s preference for staying out of the public eye. Not much information is available about Brian, as the couple values their privacy.
Shelley and Brian have children together, making Toby Keith a grandfather. In fact, Shelley was the first of Toby’s children to give him grandchildren. She is a devoted mother who focuses on raising her kids with strong family values, similar to how she was raised.
According to family photos shared over the years, Shelley has multiple children and enjoys spending time with her growing family. She often shares moments with her siblings and parents during holidays and special events, showing the close bond the family maintains.
Business Success with SwingDish
While Shelley Covel Rowland stays away from social media and public appearances, she is successful in the business world. In 2013, she joined forces with her mother Tricia and her sister Krystal to create SwingDish, a women’s golf apparel company.
SwingDish designs stylish and comfortable clothing for women who love golf. The brand focuses on creating pieces that fit women of all shapes and sizes, filling a gap they noticed in the market. Shelley works as Creative Director for the company, helping design the collections and guide the brand’s vision.
The company launched officially in 2015 at an event in Las Vegas, where Shelley made one of her rare public appearances. She attended with her mother and sister to celebrate their new business. The following year, they returned to Las Vegas to show their Spring/Summer 2017 collection.
SwingDish has grown into a respected name in golf fashion, proving that Shelley can succeed on her own terms without relying on her father’s fame. The business combines her creative skills with her family’s teamwork and dedication.
Relationship with Toby Keith
The bond between Shelley and Toby Keith was strong and filled with love. Toby often spoke about his pride in all his children and how family always came first in his life. Despite his busy career and fame, he made time for his family and showed them constant support.
Shelley Covel Rowland has shared touching words about her father over the years. At a charity golf event in June 2024, after Toby’s passing, she spoke emotionally about their relationship, saying that no one knew her father the way she did. This showed the special connection they shared.
Toby Keith had three children in total: Shelley, Krystal (born in 1985), and Stelen (born in 1997). While Krystal became a country singer and Stelen went into business, Shelley chose family life. However, all three siblings remained close and supported each other.
Honoring Her Father’s Legacy
Toby Keith passed away on February 6, 2024, at age 62 after fighting stomach cancer. His death was a huge loss for the country music world and especially for his family. Shelley stepped forward during this difficult time to honor her father’s memory.
In August 2024, NBC aired a special program called “Toby Keith: American Icon,” filmed at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Shelley attended with her family and spoke to the crowd about her father’s values and charitable work.
During the tribute, she thanked the artists and fans for celebrating her father’s life and continuing his charity efforts. She reminded everyone about an important lesson Toby taught her: “Your worth isn’t measured by what you have, but by what you give.”
The event raised money for Toby Keith’s OK Kids Korral, a free place for families of sick children to stay, and for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. These causes were close to Toby’s heart, and Shelley was proud to see them continue.
At the 20th edition of The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic in June 2024, Shelley spoke about the event’s milestone. Fighting back tears, she said, “Tonight marks 20 years of this event. Good job, Daddy.” Her words showed her deep love and respect for her father.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Unlike many celebrity children who seek attention and fame, Shelley has always chosen privacy. She rarely gives interviews, doesn’t post much on social media, and avoids red carpet events unless they involve family occasions.
This choice reflects her values and personality. She believes in living a meaningful life based on personal happiness rather than public recognition. Her father supported this decision, understanding that each of his children should follow their own path.
Shelley Covel Rowland’s life shows that success doesn’t always mean being famous. She has built a loving family, created a successful business, and maintained strong relationships with her loved ones. These achievements matter more to her than any spotlight or celebrity status.
Conclusion
Shelley Covel Rowland’s life story is one of quiet strength, family love, and personal choice. As the adopted daughter of country music icon Toby Keith, she could have chosen a life in the spotlight, but instead, she built something more valuable: a private life filled with purpose, meaningful relationships, and personal success. Through her work with SwingDish and her dedication to family values, Shelley proves that true success comes from staying true to yourself and what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Shelley Covel Rowland Toby Keith’s biological daughter?
No, Shelley is Toby Keith’s adopted daughter. Her mother, Tricia Lucus, had Shelley from a previous relationship before marrying Toby Keith in 1984. Toby adopted Shelley when she was three years old and raised her as his own child with no difference from his biological children.
2. What does Shelley Covel Rowland do for work?
Shelley works as Creative Director for SwingDish, a women’s golf apparel company she co-founded in 2013 with her mother Tricia and sister Krystal. The brand creates stylish and comfortable golf clothing for women of all sizes.
3. Is Shelley Covel Rowland married and does she have children?
Yes, Shelley Covel Rowland married Brian Skaggs in March 2018 after dating since 2016. The couple has children together, and Shelley was the first of Toby Keith’s children to make him a grandfather. She focuses on raising her family in Oklahoma away from public attention.
See more amazing Information visit Fact News
