Toby Keith, the country music legendary, also known for being unapologetic about his strong sense of patriotism, passed away at the age of 62 due to stomach cancer. Toby is survived by his mother, his wife, Tricia Lucus Keith, and their three children, Shelley Covel and Krystal Sandubrae (daughters), Stelen Keith (son), Tronnie (brother), Tracy (sister), and four grandchildren.
Toby Keith Succumbs To Stomach Cancer At The Age Of 62
Toby Keith’s website revealed the tragic news that he passed away peacefully on Monday, surrounded by his family.
“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Toby was fighting his cancer for a long time and announced it to his fans in June 2022. He spent his initial six months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. He expressed his desire to spend quality time with his family and unwind.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover, and relax. I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”
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Throughout his cancer treatment, Toby continued to perform; his most recent performance was in December in Las Vegas. In 2023, he also performed at the People’s Choice Country Awards with his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” Toby Keith kept his promise of meeting his fans “sooner than later,” and cancer couldn’t stop him.
“Cancer is a roller coaster. You simply sit here and wait for it to go away. It may never go away.”
-Toby Keith in an interview with KWTV
In honor of Toby Keith passing, here’s the most American minute of your life 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/4xdxSECdib
— papisupreme (@calbanks_euhoun) February 6, 2024
Toby Keith’s Musical Career
Toby Keith worked in oil fields and played semi-professional football before launching his musical career as a country singer. He began his career in the 1990s and has had many hits throughout his career. “How Do You Like Me Now?”, “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”—the list is endless. He released almost 60 songs on the Hot Country Charts, and all of his songs were played millions of times on radio stations.
He also won Male Vocalist of the Year and Album Of The Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2001.
“I’ve waited a long time for this. Nine years!”
Toby Keith’s Unapologetic Pride For His Patriotism: A Journey He Never Regretted!
Beyond his fame as a country music performer, Toby Keith was renowned for being frank in his views on national issues, which occasionally led to backlash against him. He has been quite outspoken about his views since the terrorist assault on the United States in 2001. At one point, he even claimed to be a Conservative Democrat, but he later altered his mind and called himself an Independent.
“I don’t apologize for being patriotic… If there is something socially incorrect about being patriotic and supporting your troops, then they can kiss my ass on that, because I’m not going to budge on that at all. And that has nothing to do with politics. Politics is what’s killing America!”
Toby Keith even performed at various ceremonies for George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, among other American presidents. Former President Trump honored Toby Keith with the National Medal of Arts in 2021.
His songs reflected his immense respect towards America and tore down anyone who was against America. In 2002, he released a song, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American),” which represented his anger and threat towards the enemies who attacked America.
We’ll put a boot in your ass — It’s the American way!
