Community leaders offer tributes to late Toby Keith

Feb. 6—Local leaders, educators, musicians, and politicians have responded to the passing of Toby Keith, country legend star who died from stomach cancer Monday night.

Keith was born in Clifton on July 8, 1961 and grew up in Moore. Glenn Lewis, Moore mayor, said he has many fond memories with the late singer.

"I have had the privilege of witnessing Toby's remarkable journey from a school-aged boy roaming the streets of Moore, to an international superstar. He was a friend to me and to our city and was never more than a phone call away," Lewis said. "I will miss my friend, who is gone much too soon."

Lewis said that even amidst his global fame, Keith remained grounded in his roots, never forgetting where he came from.

He attended Moore High School where he played defensive end on the football team. In 1982, he worked as a derrick and became an operational manager.

After graduating from high school, he played for the Oklahoma City Drillers, a semi-pro football team before taking his hand to music. Over the years, Keith committed himself to giving back to his community.

"His commitment to giving back to Moore, as well as throughout Oklahoma, through charitable endeavors and support for local causes exemplified his profound sense of gratitude and generosity," Lewis said.

Keith married Tricia Lucas in 1984, according to People. The two met at a club.

Keith gave back by donating and raising money for storm victims following the 2013 EF-5 tornado that leveled Moore.

"His contributions to Moore have resonated deeply with residents, offering solace and strength during challenging times. Toby was one of the first people to reach out to me after each devastating storm. He came back home every time to lend a hand," Lewis said. "He not only donated money and supplies, but used his celebrity to bring together other musicians who used their talents to raise millions of dollars toward the relief efforts."

Keith was a lifelong Oklahoma Sooners fan. On Tuesday morning, OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. emailed students, faculty and staff about Keith's passing.

"Throughout his illustrious career, he remained rooted in his Oklahoma upbringing, choosing to live in the state that shaped him and giving back generously to his fellow Oklahomans. His philanthropic efforts, from raising millions for children battling cancer to supporting tornado victims, exemplified his unwavering commitment to his roots and his compassion for others," Harroz wrote.

He continued: "As a lifelong Sooner, Toby's passion for the crimson and cream made him a cherished figure within Sooner Nation, where he proudly shared his love for the university and its community."

Joe Castiglione, OU athletic director, remembered Keith on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Can't believe we lost our dear personal friend, Toby Keith. Filled with deep sadness flooded with wonderful memories too. He was authentic as they come and did more for people than anyone will ever know," he wrote.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, recognized Keith's passing on his social media accounts.

"Oklahoma-native Toby Keith was a titan for country music. Born in Clinton, raised in Moore, and later playing semi-pro football for the Oklahoma City Drillers — Toby was Oklahoma Proud. He loved his family like he loved his country. May he rest in peace," he wrote.

Cleveland County Commissioner Rod Cleveland told The Transcript that he got to know Keith as their children played football together.

"For myself, my heart is saddened," Cleveland said. "I always enjoyed his music, and generally liked him as a person. He was always very reserved and very kind. My family's prayers are with his family."

As an adult, Keith took residence in Norman and gave to Norman-related causes. Larry Heikkila, Norman mayor, wrote a tribute to Keith.

"Our hearts mourn the loss of Toby Keith, a beloved Country Music Star and fellow Normanite. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time," Heikkila wrote. "Let us remember him for his love of God, love of country, and unwavering support for our Oklahoma Sooners. His legacy lives on through his charitable actions and commitment to Oklahoma."

The Moore Police Department wrote about Keith passing on its Facebook account.

"We're saddened to hear about the passing of Country Music Legend and Oklahoma Native Toby Keith. Toby has always been an intricate part of his local Moore community and was loved by millions of people around the world."

A post on the Moore Public Schools Facebook page said Keith donated the full landscaping of Kelley Elementary after the 1999 tornado. At the assembly, a small boy asked him, "Are you a real cowboy?"

"Toby answered, 'I have real horses.'"

Keith played a part in MPS's 2015 bond issue that secured safety rooms in each of the 35 school sites.

The post said: "Yesterday, Moore High School 1979 graduate and country music superstar Toby Keith Covel passed away after a lengthy cancer struggle. Moore Public Schools has Toby's family in our thoughts and prayers during this time. We honor his tireless dedication to our city and state, and to how he brought energy and awareness to issues that positively impacted our employees and students over the years."

Holly Nevels, associate superintendent and chief human resource officer of Norman Public Schools, served as principal of Whittier Middle School at the time Keith's son attended.

"As a former principal, I loved watching Toby's involvement while his son attended Whittier Middle School," Nevels said. "Both Toby and his wife Tricia were always supportive and engaged parents. It was not unlike him to take a red eye flight from an event or awards show in order to attend an early morning honor roll breakfast, to arrive at school with several boxes of canned goods for our 'Share Your Shelf' campaign, or to asset with sorting and organizing football equipment with his whistle around his nick."

She said he would often do national interviews wearing a Norman North baseball cap, and he once performed on a late-night talk show with the Whittier Warrior 'W' logo attached to his guitar.

"He assisted with coaching our football team and, to be clear, he was doing the work with kids and other coaches during practices and was on the sidelines for every game," Nevels said. "I am grateful for the impact Toby Keith made on our schools and specifically on our faculty members and students because of his commitment to being an involved parent at every turn. His impact on our students, staff and community will echo always, right alongside his beautiful music."

On March 24, 2001, Keith's father, H.K. Covel, died in a car accident after a charter bus collided with his vehicle on I-35. Tim Kuykendall, former district attorney for Cleveland, McClain, and Garvin counties, represented the family and first got to know Keith at that time.

"He and his wife are the two nicest people in the world you'd ever meet," Kuykendall said. "If you didn't know who he was and met him on the street, you'd have no idea that he was some mega superstar. He was down to earth, and the nicest guy in the world and would do anything for you."

Heath Wright, founding member of the band, Ricochet, said he remembered Keith from when they used to perform together in Oklahoma nightclubs. At the time, Keith was the leader of the Easy Money Band.

"I remember looking up to him as a band leader even back then. I think the thing I admired most about him is that he did things his own way and made no apologies for it," Wright said. "I'm told that he came out to the last show we performed in Grove, Oklahoma, but had to leave before we came off stage. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye or tell him how much I've looked up to him over the years. I hope he knew."

Olivia McCourry and Andrea Hancock contributed to this story.

Brian King covers education and politics for The Transcript. Reach him at bking@normantranscript.com.