NASHVILLE (CelebrityAccess) – Country music legend Toby Keith passed away Monday (February 5). The news of his death was posted on Keith’s official website. “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.” His cause of death was stomach cancer. Keith announced he was living with cancer in June 2022 and had been receiving chemotherapy and radiation since the Fall of 2021. He was 62.
Born in Clinton, OK, on July 8, 1961, Keith embarked on his musical journey at 20, forming the Easy Money Band. By the ’90s, he found himself in Nashville, catching the attention of Mercury Records with his breakout single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” a chart-topping hit and the most-played country song of the decade.
His self-titled debut album, released in 1993, went platinum, featuring hits like “He Ain’t Worth Missing” and “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action.” Keith’s success continued with albums like Boomtown (1994) and Blue Moon (1996), with the latter producing the No. 2 single “Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You.”
Switching to Polydor Records, he released Dream Walkin’ in 1997, featuring the chart-toppers “We Were in Love” and a cover of Sting’s “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying.” Keith’s tenure at Mercury concluded with the 1998 release of Greatest Hits Volume One.
In 1998, he moved to DreamWorks Records, releasing How Do You Like Me Now?, which featured a hit of the same name and “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This.” Success continued with albums like Pull My Chain (2001) and Unleashed (2002), featuring the duet “Beer for My Horses” with Willie Nelson. However, it was his 2002 song, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American), released after the attacks of 9/11 that made him a household name. The hit No. 1 single references Keith’s father, a US Army veteran who died in March 2001 and was inspired by the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The years following saw the release of albums Shock’n Y’all (2003) and Honkytonk University (2005), including hits such as “I Love This Bar” and “As Good as I Once Was.” Establishing his own label, Slow Dog Nashville, Keith’s journey continued with albums like Big Dog Daddy, That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy, and American Ride.
In 2011, Clancy’s Tavern brought the No. 1 song “Made in America” and the crossover hit “Red Solo Cup.” Keith’s subsequent albums include Hope on the Rocks, Drinks After Work, and 35 MPH Town. His most recent album, 100% Songwriter, was released in November 2023.
Throughout his career, he sold between 25 and 30 million records in the US, and his songs have more than 20 billion digital streaming plays. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015. Despite his battle with cancer, he returned to the stage in September 2023 at the People’s Choice Country Awards, receiving the Country Icon Award. Keith’s impact on country music remains indelible, marking a remarkable journey through decades of chart-topping success.
Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucas, three children, Shelley Covel Rowland, Krystal Keith LaDawn Covel Sandubrae, Stelen Keith Covel, and several grandchildren.
Following his passing, friends and colleagues shared remembrances and tributes to Keith.
“Toby has been an amazing friend with sound advice in some key moments in my life. This loss cuts deep, but I’m so encouraged by the true faith that Toby has displayed and carries with him. I will continue to pray for his family, and there is no doubt that he is now in the peace that passes all understanding. You left this world a great gift in your songs!
Rest high my brother, and thank you!” – Tim Rushlow / The Frontmen / Former lead singer of Little Texas
“Sometimes we use the word ‘friend’ when we really mean acquaintance. Toby Keith was my friend, and all I know is this. My friend Toby does not have cancer in Heaven this morning.
As we’d say in OKLAHOMA and TEXAS, he was a good sumbich. That’s about the highest praise a TEXAN can give to someone. REST IN PEACE, COWBOY.” –Larry Gatlin
“Toby Keith was his own man. He set a great example for all of us in life and in death. He had one shot at this, just like we all do, and he did it his way. I paid attention to his life and his career. He had a swagger that was a little different than most because he knew who he was. In life, we have a chance to leave a mark that will not fade, and he knocked it out of the park. In death, we have a chance to exit this awful, beautiful life with grace and dignity. Toby just hit another grand slam, and we could learn from this example. Sometimes, it’s not about elaborate production because sometimes, the production is simply the actions of the man. God Bless you and your family, and thank you for showing us all how it’s done.”
-Darryl Worley
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of the great Toby Keith. What an amazing talent. We lost another Real Cowboy! Gone too soon, but we know where he is. Ride in Peace, TK.”
–Doug Gray / The Marshall Tucker Band
“Toby Keith has gone home. This is very sad news. We loved and respected him on every level and whispered many a prayer for him as he fought this illness. God must have needed a big-hearted Oklahoma singing boy for the great choir. Well, he got one. RIP Toby Keith.” – The Oak Ridge Boys
“I admire the way Toby battled this awful illness. He released new music, and he was on stage at the end. There is nothing coming along to replace people like him.” – Don McLean
“Toby Keith did things his way – amazing artist, songwriter, patriot, and man of faith. I admired him and how he rolled. He and I shared a deep love for our military, and I’m proud that he took his music to dangerous places in order to give the American spirit to those protecting freedom. I was pleased he called me the OG and was honored to work with him a few times through the years. Please join our family in praying for the Keith family. I am confident that Toby was met at the pearly gates by patriots who have gone before and is resting in the arms of Jesus.” – Lee Greenwood
“It’s heartbreaking to lose Toby Keith. I’ve always been a big fan of Toby and his music, and I’ll always treasure singing with him. Toby was a great American.” – Crystal Gayle
“Toby was the embodiment of GOD, Family, & Country… and had a way of making you stand up a little taller when singing about (or honoring) our service men and women. We are better country music artists because of the life and legacy of Toby Keith. Rest well, brother, may your music and legacy live on forever!” – Chapel Hart
“It’s always sad when hearing that one of our great talents has left for home. He was truly one of the most talented singer-songwriters ever to grace a stage. Hearing his voice and music through the years always brought a smile to my face. Kelly and I have often prayed for him since hearing of his diagnosis. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and legions of fans all over the world. R.I.P. Toby.” – T.G. Sheppard
“What a loss to our music. A great talent with a big heart. Everybody loved Toby. RIP.” – Moe Bandy
“Toby has been a great talent and image in the music business and will be respected and remembered forever.” – Janie Fricke
“Toby was a true American success story and never forgot what America stands for. He was an icon. God bless his family at this sorrowful time. R.I.P.” – T. Graham Brown
“I have always enjoyed Toby Keith’s music throughout the years. He’s always been a patriot with his continued support for our military. This one hits hard for sure!” – Johnny Lee
“I knew Toby from back in our Oklahoma nightclub days. He was the leader of the “Easy Money“ band, and I remember looking up to him as a band leader even back then. I think the thing I admired most about him is that he did things his own way and made no apologies for it! I’m told that he came out to the last show we performed in Grove, Oklahoma, but had to leave before we came off stage. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye or tell him how much I’ve looked up to him over the years. I hope he knew. Rest in peace, my Oklahoma brother!” – Heath Wright / RICOCHET
“I didn’t know Toby, but he had so many people who loved him, and I’m very sorry to hear of his passing.” – Lacy J. Dalton
“Toby Keith was relatable to fans from all genres. This is a loss we will all feel for a long time. He fought a true fight and has been an inspiration to us all.” – Artimus Pyle
“Toby Keith was as tough as the oilfields of Oklahoma with the soul of a poet. He fought his battle with cancer with the same toughness, grace, and resolve the same way he approached his craft of songwriting. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.” – Dallas Wayne
“The story that will forever define Toby Keith for me is very personal. My son Torre was serving his first tour in Iraq – stationed in a remote area on the outskirts of Samarra in a very volatile area. Toby came to Iraq to entertain our troops. However, after several shows, Toby said he wanted to entertain those men who were isolated. Toby was told of a small group of men in “No Man’s Land” but was strongly advised not to go there. It was too dangerous. Toby insisted. He didn’t want to endanger the lives of other musicians and entertainers, so he went alone. But for a few hours, Toby and his guitar brought a piece of America to a handful of Americans who needed a reminder that they were not forgotten. I will always love Toby Keith for the morale boost he gave my son when he needed it most. I will always remember him as a man of character.” – Tim Atwood
“It’s a sad day for country music. Toby Keith has always been a favorite of mine, from being as young as nine, hearing “Red Solo Cup” every Christmas, to growing up and becoming an even bigger fan of his listening to his cowboy songs. I also truly admired his adoration and appreciation for the military. You will be missed, sir. Raise a glass for us all up there.” – Makenzie Phipps
“As a 90s kid, Toby Keith was a lot of the soundtrack of my childhood. I sang along to many of his songs from the back seat of my mom’s car & fell in love with his spirit for the words he was singing & the people he was singing for. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends as they navigate these next few weeks & months without him. He fought a good fight & will be missed!” – Paige King Johnson
“Toby Keith epitomized what real country music is all about. His heart for this country was true Red, White, and Blue.” – Joey Canyon / Canyon Star TV
“When Toby Keith died, a piece of my childhood died with him. His music has been the soundtrack of my life. Today, we lost a true icon, and he will be missed.” – Will Wesley
“Toby Keith owned the radio airwaves when I was a kid. “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” was one of his boldest moves as an artist. I love that song and appreciate him always speaking his mind. Cancer is indiscriminate. We’ll miss him.” – Levi Riggs
