Famous Singer Passed Away
The famous country singer, Toby Keith, 62, was killed by stomach cancer. A couple of his “hot hit songs” include “Should Have Been a Cowboy” and “Red Solo Cup.” His family had shared a post on social media, he died Sunday night peacefully. Sadly, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer back in fall of 2021.
“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family,” the statement read. “He fought his fight with grace and courage.”
Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,
Keith battled his cancer for well of three years, but went public with his diagnosis in 2022. In the time that he went public, he said he’d received chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to fight the cancer.
Some Information About The Singer
Keith was born in Oklahoma on July 8, 1961. Growing up, Keith was raised on a farm right outside of Oklahoma City. However, before focusing mainly on his singing career, he worked as a rodeo hand while he was in high school. After school, he worked oil fields, while he preformed at bars during the night.
During the time, he was preforming at bars he was with a band called “Easy Money.” Which is when he met his wife of 40 years. They dated for three years, before marrying in 1984.
After they were wed, Keith adopted Tricia Lucus’ daughter who was born in 1980, Shelley Covel Rowland. Later, the two welcomed two more children, daughter Krystal in 1985 and son Stelen in 1997.
Other Toby Keith Events
His success had continued all throughout the decade, leading into the 2000s. with his hits like “How Do You Like Me Now?!” As well as his earlier song “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This,” and many others. He has a 1996 song with Sting, “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying,” and his 2003 team-up with Willie Nelson “Beer for My Horses,” also led to crossover appeal.
His celebrity also expanded beyond music when he opened the popular restaurant chain I Love This Bar & Grill in 2005, named for his 2003 hit “I Love This Bar.” He also wrote the song, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” inspired by the 9/11 attacks as well as the death of his veteran father. While polarizing, the unapologetically patriotic song brought Keith’s visibility to a new level.
Afterwards that song brought up a feud for Keith and Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks (now the Chicks). Maines, known for her views against then President George W. Bush and the war in Iraq, deemed the song “ignorant” in an interview at the time of its release.
This, later on, led Keith to project a doctored image of Maines alongside Saddam Hussein at his concerts. Eventually later on, Keith expressed that he was “embarrassed” by his role in the feud.
Many Other Events to Come
Back in 2001, the Academy of Country had name Toby Keith Male Vocalist of the Year. Then following that huge achievement he was name Artist of the Decade at the American Country Awards in 2011. In 2015, he was introduced to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and then Keith also became a recipient of the National Medal of Arts.
In all, Keith had 32 number one singles and sold over 40 million albums. His death has brought an outpouring of tributes from fellow country music stars.
Fellow Country Singers Praising Him
“Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ’cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!,” Carrie Underwood wrote on Instagram.
Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir!
“Today is a sad day for Country music and its fans. Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all looked up to and respected,” said Jason Aldean in an Instagram post.
You and your music will be forever remembered big man.
“Too many rides in my old man’s car listening to Toby Keith,” said Zach Bryan in a post on X.
Really hard thing to hear. Rest in peace friend we love you.
By Key Robertson
Sources
USA Today: Stomach cancer killed Toby Keith at 62. The disease can strike young and be hard to spot.
People: Toby Keith Dead at 62 Following Stomach Cancer Diagnosis: ‘Passed Peacefully’
NPR: Toby Keith, one of country music’s biggest stars, dies at 62
Featured Image Courtesy of The USO Flickr Page – Creative License
Inset Image Courtesy of Craig ONeal Flickr Page – Creative License
