At the age of 62, country music icon Toby Keith—known for his smash songs—passed died. Keith’s representative confirmed his passing to NPR, and the news was released on his official website as well as X, his main social media outlet prior to Twitter.
“Toby Keith passed away peacefully at his home with his family on the night of February 5th,” according to a statement on Keith’s website. “He battled bravery and grace in his fight. At this moment, kindly respect the privacy of his family.”
Keith has been fighting stomach cancer since the fall of 2021. In 2022, he posted on social media that he was receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
He had said, “So far, so good,” at that point. “I need time to breathe, heal, and rest.”
With successes including “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and joint projects like “Beer for My Horses” with Willie Nelson, Toby Keith became a household name in the country music industry over the course of three decades at large.
Background of Toby Keith:
Keith, who is originally from Oklahoma City, started his musical career after graduating from high school by working in the oil fields and performing with his band. Keith eventually turned his attention to music, and after hearing his demo tape, legendary producer Harold Shedd helped him make a big break.
Keith rose to fame in 1993 after releasing his breakthrough single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which went on to become the most played song of the decade with over 3 million spins on radio stations.
Keith was profoundly impacted in 2002 by his father’s death during the 9/11 attacks as an experienced pilot. He was motivated to write songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)” in 2002, among other songs, by this tragic event in his life. Keith’s songs about patriotism reached a new height of popularity during this divisive time.
In 2001, the Academy of Country Music awarded Keith the title of Best Male Vocalist of the Year, among other honors. In 2011, he won the American Country Awards’ Artist of the Decade title, and in 2015, he was admitted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2021.
In entirety, Keith sold over 40 million records and had 32 number-one hits.
Other country music celebrities have paid tribute to him, sharing their sadness and appreciation.
Carrie Underwood posted on Instagram, saying, “Put some boots on the angels, Jesus, because a real-life blue-chip cowboy has ridden his horse to heaven!!!” “Introduce him to all the okay’s and sign him up for the choir!”
“Today is a sad day for country music and its fans,” stated Jason Aldean in an Instagram post. We all looked up to and revered Toby Keith, who had a big influence on our company.” “You and your music will always be remembered as a big man.”
Zac Brown wrote on X, “Toby Keith has played on many rides in my old man’s truck.” It is quite difficult to hear. You relax, pal. With all of our hearts, we love you.”
Toby Keith was a true legend in the country music industry, and his influence on the genre and his fan base will live on for many years to come.
