American Country Countdown Awards to honor Merle Haggard

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Singer and songwriter Toby Keith will perform a tribute to the late country-music legend Merle Haggard during the American Country Countdown Awards on May 1.

Dick Clark Productions and Cumulus Media announced Thursday the awards show will include a special tribute to the "Okie from Muskogee" singer and songwriter, who died on his 79th birthday April 6. Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey will introduce the performance.

Toby Keith performs at ACM Presents an All-Star Salute to the Troops on April 7, 2014, in Las Vegas.Chris Pizzello ~ Invision/AP, file

Keith will perform with Haggard's longtime backing band, The Strangers, which includes his son Ben.

Haggard's widow, Theresa, also will be in attendance.

Other performers for the show include Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Hunt and Cam.

The show will air live on Fox from the Forum in Inglewood, California.