Country Star Toby Keith Dies at 62 After Battle with Stomach Cancer
Toby Keith, the beloved country star known for his pro-American anthems and powerful voice, has passed away at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. The news of his death was announced on his official website, stating that he died peacefully surrounded by his family. The statement also praised Keith for fighting his fight with grace and courage.
Keith, who stood at an impressive 6-foot-4, rose to fame during the country boom of the 1990s. He was known for his patriotic songs such as “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and catchy barroom tunes like “I Love This Bar” and “Red Solo Cup.” His booming voice and tongue-in-cheek sense of humor captivated millions of fans, who loved his range that allowed him to sing both love songs and drinking songs.
Throughout his career, Keith had numerous chart-topping hits, including “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List,” and “Beer for My Horses,” a duet with Willie Nelson. His influences were other working-class songwriters like Merle Haggard, and he had an impressive tally of over 60 singles on the Hot Country chart.
Even during his cancer treatments, Keith continued to perform, with his last performance taking place in Las Vegas in December. He also appeared on the People’s Choice Country Awards in 2023, where he sang his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” In an interview aired last month, Keith candidly spoke about his battle with cancer, describing it as a roller coaster ride filled with uncertainty.
Before his successful music career, Keith worked as a roughneck in the oil fields of Oklahoma. He also played semi-pro football as a defensive end for the Oklahoma City Drillers. However, it was his passion for music that ultimately led him to Nashville, where he caught the attention of Mercury Records head Harold Shedd. Keith released his platinum debut record, simply titled “Toby Keith,” in 1993.
Despite his early success, Keith faced challenges within the music industry. He felt that record executives were trying to push him in a more pop direction, overshadowing his unique style. In 1999, he moved to DreamWorks Records, where his song “How Do You Like Me Now?!” became a crossover hit on the Top 40 charts. The following year, he won male vocalist of the year and album of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Keith was known for wearing his politics on his sleeve, especially after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He played at events for Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, receiving a National Medal of the Arts from the latter in 2021. However, his blunt opinions and controversial songs sometimes caused backlash. His song “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” was pulled from a patriotic Fourth of July special for being too angry. He also had a feud with The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks) after lead singer Natalie Maines criticized then-President George W. Bush.
Despite the controversies, Keith’s pro-military stance extended beyond his songs. He went on 11 USO tours to visit and perform for troops serving overseas. He also raised millions for charity throughout his career, including building a home in Oklahoma City for children with cancer and their families.
In 2005, Keith started his own record label, Show Dog, which later became Show Dog-Universal Music. He continued to release hits such as “Love Me If You Can,” “She Never Cried In Front of Me,” and “Red Solo Cup.” In 2015, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in November 2022, he received the BMI Icon award.
Toby Keith’s impact on country music and his unwavering patriotism will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike. His powerful voice, catchy songs, and dedication to supporting the military and charitable causes have left a lasting legacy in the country music industry. As the world mourns the loss of this iconic star, his music will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.