Toby Keith Dies at 62
Country music legend Toby Keith has died at the age of 62.
A post was shared by his family to social media saying Keith ended his battle with stomach cancer yesterday (February 5th) with “grace and courage“. He leaves behind his wife and three kids. The family has asked for respect and privacy during this tough time.
See official statement below via Instagram:
The “Should’ve been a Cowboy’ singer was diagnosed with cancer in fall of 2021.
Keith shared it publicly in June of 2022, sharing “I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.”.
After taking a bit of a break the country star returned to this stage in September for the People’s Choice Country Awards. Not only did he give us an emotional performance of “Don’t Let the Old Man In“, he was also honored with the Country Icon Award at the show.
JR Country Music Director jaXon Hawks had this to say about the country music legend:
“The man was a true legend. Toby took his personal beliefs seriously, and his songwriting with a tongue in cheek. Every story he told through song had heart, soul, and a lot of times a twist or a lyric that couldn’t help but make you smile. He spent many years entertaining the world, and our hearts are heavy today at JR. He will be truly missed, but his legacy will live on through the music he made, that touched so many.”~ jaXon
See Toby Keith’s People’s Choice Country Performance below:
Toby Keith performed his last show on December 14th 2023 at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas. The “Red Solo Cup” singer had sold out a string of 3 shows in Vegas and shared to Instagram saying it was “a damn good way to end the year”.
The Country music industry is truly mourning this loss. Toby Keith’s 35 Biggest Hits has taken the top spot the morning after his passing.
Many fellow artists are taking to social media to react to this tragic loss.
See their reactions below…
Even though I knew about your battle these last few months I still never imagined this day. Anyone who knew you knows what I mean. You were the toughest man I ever met. Thank you brother for being a friend, a hero and an inspiration. There will never be another Toby Keith.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) February 6, 2024
Denise and I are saddened to hear about our friend @TobyKeith. Our prayers are with Tricia and the entire Keith family. – AJ pic.twitter.com/GGfjk1sf3y
— Alan Jackson (@OfficialJackson) February 6, 2024
too many rides in my old man’s car listening to Toby Keith. really hard thing to hear
rest in peace friend we love you— Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan) February 6, 2024
A troubadour gone too soon… @tobykeith pic.twitter.com/xN1dlYd1wY
— Brooks & Dunn (@BrooksAndDunn) February 6, 2024
Damn, RIP Toby. Can’t believe it.
— Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs) February 6, 2024
Though we lost a true country music legend his music legacy will live on!