Toby Keith (Covel) passed away on Monday night (February 5th) from his battle with stomach cancer. He announced his illness in June 2022 and revealed he’d been diagnosed in October 2021, and had undergone radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. He was 62 years old.
In September of last year at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards, Toby was presented with the Country Icon Award by fellow Okie Blake Shelton. He also performed the emotional “Don’t Let The Old Man In,” followed by three shows in Las Vegas in December 2023.
The superstar, best known for such hits as “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue,” “American Soldier,” “Who’s Your Daddy,” “Wanna Talk About Me,” and many others, is survived by his wife Tricia, whom he married 40 years ago (in 1984). The couple has three children — daughters Shelley and Krystal; son, Stelen — as well as four grandchildren.
Having sold over 40 million albums, had over 30 songs go to No. 1 , Toby began his career in 1993 with the release of his debut single, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” which went straight up to the top of the country charts. Mercury Nashville was his label home for several years, and they came up with a cool marketing plan to showcase their three new artists at the time, including Toby, Shania Twain and John Brannen, called the Triple Play Tour.
His passing was announced on his social media platforms, stating he was surrounded by his family and “He fought his fight with grace and courage.” The statement then asked for people to “Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 6, 2024
Many members of the country music community and beyond sent us audio and took to social media to remember the singer-songwriter-performer-entrepreneur, including fellow Oklahoman Reba McEntire. She tells us, “Toby and I are both from Oklahoma and very proud of our Oklahoma heritage. Toby worked very hard to make a mark in the country music business and did a great job doing that. Very proud of him, and I hope he rests in peace. I was very honored to get to work with Toby and be a part of the era of country music he was in. We’ll sure miss him.”
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Carrie Underwood posted a photo of her and Toby and said, “Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!! Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend.”
Luke Bryan just arrived at the set of American Idol when he heard the news of Toby’s passing. He said, “An iconic artist and a great man. Your songs turn every room into a good time.”
Josh Turner wrote, “Toby Keith was a force to be reckoned with. 32 #1 hits, 30 years in the music business, a proficient songwriter, an unforgettable voice, and a staunch supporter of the US military. Not many people know what it takes to have a 30 year career, but you have to be incredibly tough.”
Travis Denning took to his socials to perform a piece of Toby’s hit, “My List.” He wrote, “Country Music lost an icon today. Toby Keith was one of the greatest entertainers this genre ever saw. At his core, and what I loved most, was a songwriter. He could write them just as good as anyone else and respected a damn good written one. RIP Toby.”
Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!! Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See… pic.twitter.com/9a2RauHo5p
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) February 6, 2024
Just arriving at American idol and seeing the sad news in our country community. An iconic artist and a great man. Your songs turn every room into a good time pic.twitter.com/d2LUR27zvx
— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) February 6, 2024
Toby Keith was a force to be reckoned with. 32 #1 hits, 30 years in the music business, a proficient songwriter, an unforgettable voice, and a staunch supporter of the US military. Not many people know what it takes to have a 30 year career, but you have to be incredibly tough. pic.twitter.com/pPJcmvp00h
— Josh Turner (@joshturnermusic) 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
George Strait posted a tribute to Toby from him, his wife Norma and the rest of his family. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the @TobyKeith family. May God give you comfort and peace.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the @TobyKeith family. May God give you comfort and peace.” — George & Norma Strait and Family
— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) February 6, 2024
.@stephenathome bids farewell to his friend, Toby Keith. https://t.co/rpYp5ho8TX
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 7, 2024
Country Music lost an icon today. Toby Keith was one of the greatest entertainers this genre ever saw. At his core, and what I loved most, was a songwriter. He could write them just as good as anyone else and respected a damn good written one. RIP Toby. pic.twitter.com/5kYyX3E1zO
— Travis Denning (@Travis_Denning) February 6, 2024
Very low this morning. @tobykeith is treasured in this family and will certainly be missed. I know he was a believer and is with the Almighty. Much love to his family. You’re in our prayers. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MA0POxlDbO
— Lee Ann Womack (@leeannwomack) February 6, 2024
It takes a Hall of Fame songwriter to leave me at a loss for words.
We had some times. Rest easy, Dawg. pic.twitter.com/tOxtBWX1CB— Trace Adkins (@TraceAdkins) February 6, 2024
Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce was asked during a pre-Super Bowl press conference his favorite country song, and he said, “R.I.P. Toby Keith. ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy.'”
Trav’s favorite country song: Should’ve Been A Cowboy (obviously)
RIP Toby Keith 💔 pic.twitter.com/9dbaOiKFEE
— madi (@crinklineyes) February 7, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Toby Keith, a beloved friend and supporter of the USO. Our hearts are with Toby's family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace dear friend. pic.twitter.com/85nXDVO5ks
— USO (@The_USO) February 6, 2024
Several artists were lucky to tour with Toby, including burgeoning superstar Eric Church, who said in 2011 prior to the kickoff of the Locked and Loaded Tour that he was going to give the headliner a run for his money.
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Darius Rucker paid tribute to Toby on socials (see Instagram post below), saying “Country Music lost a legend.” He also performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday night (February 6th) and sang his “favorite Toby song,” which was “God Love Her.”
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