Country music legend Toby Keith has tragically died aged 62 years old, according to a statement published on his website.
Toby Keith Covel, known professionally as Toby Keith, was an American singer, songwriter, actor and record producer.
He was best known for songs such as ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’, ‘How Do You Like Me Now?!’ and ‘Don’t Let The Old Man In’.
Throughout Keith’s career, he had 61 singles chart on the Billboard Hot Country Songs, while his album sales totalled over 40 million.
Devastatingly, the icon’s family has confirmed that he has passed away.
“Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family,” the statement reads.
“He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 6, 2024
Hundreds of Keith’s fans have taken to X (formerly known as Twitter) and paid tribute to the country music legend.
One writes: “Heartbreaking. This one hurts, I love him so much.”
A second person pens: “Keith’s powerful voice echoed the spirit of the nation, his lyrics weaving stories that touched our hearts. A true patriot and country music icon, Toby Keith’s legacy will forever resonate in our souls.
“Rest in peace, Keith, your songs will continue to inspire and uplift.”
While somebody else simply says: “An absolute legend.”
“I loved his witty songs, he will be missed,” comments a fourth.
The Oklahoma native worked in oil fields and as a semi-professional American football player before making it as a musician in the 1990s.
Keith’s songs would usually be patriotic-themed – most controversially, he dropped the track ‘Courtesy of the Red White and Blue (The Angry American)’ shortly after the 9/11 attacks.
The song, which peaked at No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, was written after the passing of his father and is distinctly pro-American.
It included the lyrics: “Justice will be served and the battle will rage / This big dog will fight when you rattle his cage / And you’ll be sorry that you messed with / The US of A / ‘Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass/ It’s the American way.”
Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021 and announced the news publicly a year later.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last six months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax,” he tweeted.
The singer added that he was looking forward to ‘spending time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait’.
Stomach (gastric) cancer is a cancer that is found anywhere in the stomach and is fairly uncommon, as per NHS Inform. Its exact cause is unknown.
The country singer is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucus, and three children.
