What We Know About Shelley Covel Rowland, Toby Keith’s First Daughter

When we think of Toby Keith, we often remember his hit songs, his cowboy style, and his big voice. But behind the scenes, Toby Keith was also a loving father. One of the most important people in his life was his first daughter, Shelley Covel Rowland.

Shelley may not be a singer or someone often seen in the news, but she holds a special place in Toby’s story. She was there from the beginning, even before his rise to fame. In this article, we’ll explore who Shelley is, how she became Toby Keith’s daughter, what her life looks like today, and the sweet bond she shared with her dad.

Let’s take a closer look at Shelley’s quiet but meaningful life.

Shelley Covel Rowland Quick Bio

Who Is Shelley Covel Rowland?

Shelley Covel Rowland is Toby Keith’s oldest daughter. But unlike her younger siblings, she is not in the spotlight. She doesn’t sing, doesn’t post much online, and stays away from media attention. Still, her story is beautiful and full of love.

She was born in 1980 and was raised by Toby Keith after he married her mother, Tricia Lucus. Even though she’s not his biological daughter, Toby loved her like his own and adopted her when she was just a toddler. Today, Shelley is a mom, a businesswoman, and a quiet part of the Keith family’s strong bond.

Shelley Covel Rowland’s Early Life

Shelley was born on October 21, 1980, in Oklahoma City, before her mother met Toby. Her childhood was shaped by love, hard work, and strong family values. When Toby came into their lives, she was still very young — only 3 years old.

Growing up, Shelley saw her family grow. Her sister Krystal was born a few years later, and her brother Stelen came much later. While Toby was chasing his music dreams, Shelley was learning about love, family, and loyalty from her parents. She stayed close to home and enjoyed a regular life, away from fame and cameras.

Shelley Covel Rowland and Her Adoption Story

One of the most touching parts of Shelley’s story is her adoption. When Toby Keith married Tricia Lucus in 1984, he didn’t just become a husband — he also became a dad. He adopted Shelley right away and raised her as his daughter.

Toby never treated Shelley any differently than his other children. In fact, she was always by his side during important moments. He gave her his last name and made sure she felt loved and supported. Their bond was real and full of trust — a bond that only grew stronger with time.

Even after Toby became a big country star, he remained a proud father. Shelley was his first child, and the one who saw his journey from the very start.

Shelley Covel Rowland’s Family Background

Shelley grew up with a sister and a brother — both born to Toby and Tricia. Her younger sister, Krystal Keith, was born in 1985 and became a country singer, just like their dad. Her younger brother, Stelen Keith Covel, was born in 1997 and now works in real estate and business.

The three siblings may have chosen different paths in life, but their bond is strong. Shelley may be the quietest one, but she’s always been part of big family events. Whether it’s business, celebrations, or honoring their dad, she is always there.

Together, Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen helped keep their family close, even as Toby became more famous. They shared holidays, red carpet moments, and family trips — and built memories that now carry even more meaning after Toby’s passing in 2024.

Shelley Covel Rowland’s Education

Education was important to Shelley. She went to the University of Oklahoma, just like her brother and sister. In 2003, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education — a path that shows how much she cared about helping others.

After graduating, she worked as an elementary school teacher for a few years. She loved being around kids and making a difference in the classroom. But as life changed, Shelley decided to shift her focus toward family life and later, business.

Even though she left teaching, her gentle and giving nature stayed the same. These values also helped shape her next big step — working alongside her mom and sister in a family-run fashion brand.

Shelley Covel Rowland’s Career Journey

Shelley didn’t want to be a singer or live in the spotlight like her sister Krystal. Instead, she chose a simpler path. After teaching, she turned her attention to something creative and exciting — fashion and design.

Along with her mother and sister, Shelley helped start SwingDish, a women’s golf clothing brand that focuses on comfort, style, and bold designs. Shelley became the Creative Director of the brand, using her artistic side to help design outfits that made women feel confident.

Even though she doesn’t post much online, Shelley attended several public events to support SwingDish, including launch parties in Las Vegas. Her calm and quiet energy added something special to the brand’s message: that every woman deserves to feel strong and stylish — just like she was raised to be.

Shelley Covel Rowland and the SwingDish Brand

Shelley Covel Rowland didn’t just help build a fashion brand — she helped build something that felt personal. In 2013, she teamed up with her mother, Tricia Lucus, and sister Krystal Keith to launch SwingDish, a golf clothing line for women.

SwingDish is not just about stylish clothes. It’s about making women feel confident, comfortable, and proud of who they are. Shelley became the Creative Director, bringing fresh designs and ideas to the brand. Her work focused on making outfits that look good and feel easy to wear — for women of all shapes and sizes.

Shelley also attended public events to support the brand. One special moment was the SwingDish launch event in Las Vegas in 2015. There, she stood proudly with her sister, mother, and father — showing that family and business could come together in a powerful way.

Shelley Covel Rowland’s Married Life

Shelley’s love life has stayed very private over the years. But from what we know, she found happiness outside the spotlight. According to her Facebook profile, she began dating Brian Skaggs in 2016. Two years later, in March 2018, the couple got married.

Shelley and Brian have built a quiet life together. They focus on their family, away from the public eye. They don’t share much online, which is why many people are surprised to learn she’s married at all. But sometimes, a peaceful life is the best kind of life.

Even though she keeps things simple, Shelley has shared sweet family moments in photos — giving a small glimpse into her world as a wife and mom.

Shelley Covel Rowland’s Children

Shelley Covel Rowland is a proud mom of three. She was actually the first of Toby Keith’s kids to make him a grandfather. Her first two children were born years ago, and in 2021, a new baby boy joined the family. A sweet photo from a family visit to The White House shows her holding the little one proudly.

Later that year, Shelley posted a beautiful portrait with her children — a rare and touching moment. These pictures remind us that even though she’s private, her family means everything to her.

Her dad, Toby Keith, always spoke about how proud he was of his children. Shelley’s journey into motherhood added a whole new chapter to their close bond.

Shelley Covel Rowland After Toby Keith’s Passing

Toby Keith passed away on February 5, 2024, after a tough fight with stomach cancer. He was surrounded by his family. For Shelley, it was a heartbreaking loss, but also a moment to honor everything her dad stood for.

Shelley spoke at the 20th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic in June 2024, just months after his death. Holding his famous red Solo cup, she gave a touching toast. She said, “Good job, Daddy,” — and those words meant so much.

She also stood on stage during the NBC special “Toby Keith: American Icon” in July 2024. Surrounded by family and fans, Shelley thanked everyone for supporting her dad’s music and his charities. It was a moment full of love, respect, and strength.

Through these appearances, Shelley Covel Rowland showed how deeply she loved her father. She wasn’t trying to be famous — she was just trying to keep his memory alive.

Shelley Covel Rowland’s Life Today

Today, Shelley lives a quiet, happy life with her husband and children. She works behind the scenes at SwingDish and continues to stay close to her mother and siblings. While her sister Krystal shares her music with the world, and her brother Stelen runs businesses, Shelley stays focused on family and creative work.

She may not post on social media or give interviews, but she’s always there when it counts. Whether it’s a charity event, a tribute show, or a family celebration, Shelley shows up with love and grace.

Shelley Covel Rowland may not be in the headlines, but her story is full of meaning. She’s a daughter, a mom, a wife, a designer — and someone who carries her father’s lessons in everything she does.

Final Thoughts

Now that we know more about Shelley Covel Rowland, it’s easy to see why she’s such a special part of Toby Keith’s legacy. She was there from the start. She helped build a strong family. She gave him his first grandchild. And now, she helps carry his name forward — in quiet, beautiful ways.

Sometimes, the people who stay out of the spotlight make the biggest impact behind the scenes. That’s Shelley.

Her story reminds us that you don’t have to be loud to be strong. And you don’t have to be famous to matter. You just have to show up with love — just like Shelley has, every step of the way.

(FAQs)

Who is Shelley Covel Rowland married to?

Shelley is married to a man named Brian Skaggs. They got married in 2018, but they keep their life very private, so most people don’t even know she’s married!

How many kids does Shelley Covel Rowland have?

Shelley has three children. She was actually the first of Toby Keith’s kids to make him a grandpa — a fun fact that surprises a lot of fans.

Who is Shelley Covel Rowland’s real dad?

Shelley’s biological father isn’t known to the public. But Toby Keith adopted her when she was little and raised her like his own daughter.

How old is Shelley Covel Rowland and when is her birthday?

Shelley was born on October 21, 1980. That means she turned 45 years old in 2025 — which surprises people because she still looks so young!

Where is Shelley Covel Rowland living now in 2025?

As of 2025, Shelley lives a quiet life in Oklahoma with her husband and kids. She works with her mom and sister on their clothing brand but stays out of the spotlight.

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