Country Music Star Toby Keith Dead At 62
Country singer Toby Keith passed away on Monday, according to a statement his family wrote on his website and social media accounts on Tuesday.
“Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage,” the family wrote in the statement, asking for the world to respect their privacy at this difficult time.
Keith, known for hit songs like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “Beer For My Horses” and “How Do You Like Me Now?!” was 62 at the time of his death.
Keith, who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021, according to an announcement he made in June 2022 on X, which was known as Twitter at the time.
“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,” the message he tweeted read.
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) June 12, 2022
Throughout his career, Keith was known to champion American patriotism, a theme he showcased in his 2022 song, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” which he released after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.”
The late singer also voiced support for the American military with his 2003 song, “American Soldier,” in which he sang, “And I will always do my duty / No matter what the price / I’ve counted up the cost / I know the sacrifice / Oh, and I don’t want to die for you / But if dyin’s asked of me / I’ll bear that cross with honor / ‘Cause freedom don’t come free.”
In addition to the hit song he sang in honor of men and women in the U.S. military, he went on 11 USO tours to visit and play for service members serving overseas.
He also played at events for U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, who gave him a National Medal of the Arts alongside fellow country music star Ricky Skaggs in 2021.
Keith is survived by three children, three grandchildren and his wife, Tricia Lucus.
