Country music legend Toby Keith has passed away at the age of 62 after an 18-month struggle with stomach cancer.
The news of Keith’s passing was confirmed on his official website and X account, with a statement that read, “Toby Keith passed away peacefully February 5th surrounded by his family.”
The statement continued, “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Despite his diagnosis, the renowned “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” singer continued to record and perform music.
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 6, 2024
From AP News:
“Beer For My Horses” singer-songwriter Toby Keith has died. He was 62.
Keith, who was battling stomach cancer, passed peacefully on Monday surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer’s website. “He fought his fight with grace and courage,” the statement said. He was diagnosed in 2022.
Sometimes a polarizing figure in country music, the 6-foot-4 singer broke out in the country boom years of the 1990s, crafting an identity around his macho, pro-American swagger and writing songs that fans loved to hear. Over his career he publicly clashed with other celebrities and journalists and often pushed back against record executives who wanted to smooth his rough edges.
He was known for his overt patriotism on post 9/11 songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” and boisterous barroom tunes like “I Love This Bar” and “Red Solo Cup.” He had a powerful booming voice, a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor and range that carried love songs as well as drinking songs.
Apart from his vast musical repertoire, he will also be remembered for being an outspoken patriot and even faced backlash for it when he performed at President Trump’s inauguration in 2017.
In 2021, President Trump awarded Keith with the National Medal of Arts.
Fox News reported:
His 2002 song, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” showcased his patriotism following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Keith, however, didn’t just use the idea of American patriotism in his songs. He gave his support to the American military, going on 11 USO tours to visit and play for troops serving overseas. He’d write about his support for the men and women in America’s military with his 2003 hit, “American Soldier.”
He also helped to raise millions for charity over his career, including building a home in Oklahoma City for kids and their families who are battling cancer.
Tributes immediately began flooding social media:
RIP to one of the most patriotic and fearless country singers there was…
— SixPack™️ (@starkrob21) February 6, 2024
Toby Keith July 8,1961-Feb 5, 2024 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/H9AzL8nFEn
Ugh. We lost a legend this week. R.I.P Toby Keith. pic.twitter.com/1qIrem9iJK
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 6, 2024
“Never apologize for being patriotic. F*ck em.”
— Louder with Crowder Dot Com (@LWCnewswire) February 6, 2024
– Toby Keith, in his first show back after battling stomach cancer.
🎥TikTok: CountryMusicAmerica pic.twitter.com/efgWiwLcWc
RIP Toby Keith … A True Patriot 🇺🇸
— David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) February 6, 2024
Raising a Red Solo Cup up to honor a life well lived. pic.twitter.com/cP6M4VxQt3
RIP Toby Keith.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 6, 2024
American legend. pic.twitter.com/zmC3X5SpKv
Friendly reminder that Toby Keith made of the best songs of all time pic.twitter.com/V017stJCCa
— Blake Garman (@FrostedBlakes34) February 6, 2024
Here’s one of his last interviews:
Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia, three children, and four grandchildren.
R.I.P. Toby Keith.
