Toby Keith is seen performing at ACM Presents An All-Star Salute to the Troops in Las Vegas on April 7, 2014.
Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
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Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Toby Keith is seen performing at ACM Presents An All-Star Salute to the Troops in Las Vegas on April 7, 2014.
Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Toby Keith, the country music superstar behind some of the biggest hits to come out of Nashville, has died at the age of 62.
Keith died on Monday, his publicist confirmed to NPR, and his passing was also announced on his official website on xFormerly Twitter.
“Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night, February 5, surrounded by his family,” the statement on the Keith website said. “He fought his battle with dignity and courage. Please respect his family’s privacy at this time.”
Keith announced on social media in 2022 that he would be undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for stomach cancer beginning in 2021.
“So far, so good,” he said at the time. “I need time to breathe, recover and rest.”
A major country star for three decades, Keith produced hits like “Red Solo Cup,” “How Do You Like Me Now?” Enjoyed hit movies like. and “Beer for My Horses”, a duet with Willie Nelson.
The native grew up in Oklahoma City, working in the oil fields while playing music with his own band after high school. Eventually, music became Keith’s main focus and he got his big break when renowned producer Harold Shedd heard his demo tape.
Keith’s breakout hit, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” debuted in 1993 and became the most played country song of the decade with over 3 million plays on radio.
He scored several more hits, including the 2002 song “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)”, which was inspired by the 9/11 attacks as well as the death of his veteran father. The polarizing, undoubtedly patriotic song brought Keith’s visibility to a new level.
Among Keith’s many accolades, the Academy of Country Music named him Male Vocalist of the Year in 2001. He was awarded Artist of the Decade at the American Country Awards in 2011, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2021, Keith also became a recipient of the National Medal of Arts.
In total, Keith had 32 number one singles and sold over 40 million albums.
On his death, there has been a flood of tributes from fellow music stars of the country.
“Saddle your horses, Jesus, because the True Blue Cowboy has just ridden his way to heaven!!!” Carrie Underwood wrote on Instagram. “Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that guy up for choir!”
“Today is a sad day for country music and its fans. Toby was a huge presence in our business and we all respected and respected him,” Jason Aldean said in an Instagram post. “You and your music will always be remembered big man.”
Zac Bryan said, “There have been a lot of rides in my old man’s car to listen to Toby Keith.” a post on x, “That’s a really hard thing to hear. Rest easy buddy, we love you.”
