Pizzello Chris/Pizzello Chris/Invision/AP
The biggest hit songwriter to come out of Nashville, Toby Keith, was a country music superstar who passed away at the age of 62.
In addition to his official website and X, the previous Twitter platform, Keith’s representative verified to NPR that he passed away on Monday.
According to the statement posted on Keith’s website, “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5, surrounded by his family.” “With bravery and grace, he led his battle. At this moment, please respect his family’s privacy.
In autumn 2021, Keith declared on social media that he had been receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments for stomach cancer since 2022.
That was then, “So far, so good,” he said. “I need time to breathe, recover and relax.”
With classics like “Red Solo Cup,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and the Willie Nelson duet “Beer For My Horses,” Keith was a significant country artist for thirty years.
Growing up in Oklahoma City, the native Oklahoman played music with his own band and worked in the oil fields after graduating from high school. Keith’s primary concentration eventually shifted to music, and after producer Harold Shedd heard his demo tape, he got his big break.
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” Keith’s breakthrough smash, had its radio debut in 1993 and went on to become the most played country song of the decade with over 3 million listens.
Many more successes followed, such as the 2002 single “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American),” which he wrote in response to both his veteran father’s passing and the 9/11 attacks.
Among Keith’s numerous honors is the 2001 Male Vocalist of the Year award from the Academy of Country Music. He received the 2011 American Country Awards’ Artist of the Decade title, and in 2015, he was admitted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Additionally, Keith was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2021.
Together, Keith sold over 40 million records and had 32 number one hits.
Colleagues in the country music industry have shown their condolences upon his passing.
“Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ’cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!” An Instagram post was made by Carrie Underwood. “Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir!”
“Country music lovers and the genre are grieving today. According to Jason Aldean’s Instagram post, “Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all looked up to and respected.” “You and your music will be forever remembered big man.”
