Toby Keith Covel was a professional country music singer. He was also a songwriter, a producer, and an exceptional actor. Keith was born and raised in Oklahoma City. He had carved out a space for himself in the music industry. He started his journey of making country music in 1900, and from then on, he had sold more than 30 million records in the US. What an impressive feat.
He tweeted last June on X about the condition, he said “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. -T”
When Did Toby Keith Die?
Unfortunately, the talented singer died on February 5th, 2024 at the age of 62. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer 18 months ago.
Tributes To Toby Keith
The Academy of Country Music posted on social media expressing how heartbroken they were by his death. They gave him his accolades and called him a singer-songwriter who continued Merle Haggard’s legacy.
Kyle Young, CEO of The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said in a post on Instagram, “Toby Keith was big, brash, and never bowed down or slowed down for anyone.
“His story is a distinctly American one–a former roughneck oil worker who carved out his own space in country music with a sinewy voice and an unbending will to succeed.”
“He wrote his breakthrough songs and later formed his record label when he felt underserved by Nashville. He relished being an outsider and doing things his way. Proudly patriotic, he didn’t mind if his clear-cut convictions ruffled your feathers”.
Kyle ended the statement with “For three decades, he reflected the defiant strength of the country music audience. His memory will continue to stand strong.”
Carrie Underwood, a friend to Toby, expressed herself in an X saying, “Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!
Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart does not doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend.”
Country Music Icon
It is obvious how loved Toby was by his fans as they dropped their posts about him on social media platforms. He was considered a legend as his accolades align with the word.
Among his many accolades, in 2015, he was honored with a spot in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2021, he was recognized by the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
To top it off, in 2020, he received the prestigious Merle Haggard Spirit Award from the Academy of Country Music. Now, that is legendary.
Even with his illness before his death, Toby continued singing and making his impact in the music industry. He had told E News before receiving the Country Icon Award, “You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and down. It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today,”. The statement showed how positive he was about life. He might be gone but he will always be remembered as an icon.
