The family of country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith confirmed this week that he died on Monday at the age of 62.
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 6, 2024
Keith, known for a string of hits over the course of his decades-long career, had been battling cancer in recent years but returned to the stage in recent months and had expressed optimism about his health and the future of his career.
According to the Daily Wire:
“I’m doing really good,” he told the host. “It’s been a tough two years, but I think I’m turning a corner. I don’t know if you’re ever done with it [cancer], but I’m trying to be.”
Keith also told the host that he felt “weird in 2023,” noting that he’d never had a year off from performing in his life.
“And this is my 30th year in the [country music] business, so it was really weird just sitting here with your handcuffs on,” the singer explained.
He is survived by his wife Tricia, three children, and four grandchildren.
Tributes immediately began pouring in on social media:
RIP to one of the most patriotic and fearless country singers there was…
Toby Keith July 8,1961-Feb 5, 2024 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/H9AzL8nFEn— SixPack™️ (@starkrob21) February 6, 2024
March 2003.
I was 7 months pregnant, my daughter was 19 months old, and my husband was 7,000 miles away in Iraq. Toby’s “Red, White & Blue” got me through many rough days. I would blare it on the cd player & my daughter and I would dance around the living room.
I can’t express…— 🇺🇸 (@GAonMyMind99) February 6, 2024
“Never apologize for being patriotic. F*ck em.”
– Toby Keith, in his first show back after battling stomach cancer.
🎥TikTok: CountryMusicAmerica pic.twitter.com/efgWiwLcWc
— Louder with Crowder Dot Com (@LWCnewswire) February 6, 2024
RIP Toby Keith … A True Patriot 🇺🇸
Raising a Red Solo Cup up to honor a life well lived. pic.twitter.com/cP6M4VxQt3— David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) February 6, 2024
In addition to his extensive music portfolio, he is also being remembered as an outspoken patriot.
As 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.
Here’s one of his final interviews:
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