Singer Toby Keith Dead at 62 After Cancer Battle
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Originally appeared on E! Online
The music world has lost a legendary artist.
Country star Toby Keith died on Feb. 5 at the age of 62 after battling stomach cancer, a message on his website confirmed, noting, "He fought his fight with grace and courage."
According to the statement, the "Should've Been a Cowboy" singer was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing.
Keith first announced his diagnosis in 2022 in a social media message to fans.
"I've spent the last six months receiving chemotherapy, radiation and surgery," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, at the time. "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."
Five months later, Keith—who underwent surgery to have his gallbladder removed in 2012—shared an update on his health journey.
"I need a little bit of time to just rest up and heal up," he said on a Nov. 2022 episode of CMT Hot 20 Countdown. "It's pretty debilitating to have to go through all that."
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"But as long as everything stays hunky dory," he added, "then we'll look at something good in the future."
In September, Keith delivered a moving speech while accepting the Country Icon Award at the 2023 People's Choice Country Awards.
"I want to thank the Almighty for allowing me to be here tonight," Keith said, "he's been riding shot gun with me for a little while now."
"I want to thank my beautiful family that's here," he continued. "A lot of people go in and make a career like this of 30 years. Most of all, I want to thank the fans for still allowing us to do what we do."
To see how stars are paying tribute to Keith, keep reading.
<p>Jason Aldean</p>
"Just waking up to the news of Toby Keith’s passing," he wrote on Instagram. "Today is a sad day for Country music and its fans. 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."
<p>Dolly Parton</p>
"It's aways hard when we lose our brothers and sister in country music," she wrote on Instagram. "Toby Keith was one of the greats in every way. He will be missed but his music and legacy will live on."
<p>Blake Shelton</p>
"Even though I knew about your battle these last few months I still never imagined this day," he wrote on X. "Anyone who knew you knows what I mean. You were the toughest man I ever met. Thank you brother for being a friend, a hero and an inspiration. There will never be another Toby Keith."
<p>Billy Ray Cyrus</p>
"Stood me still with emotion and memories to hear of the loss of my friend Toby Keith," he wrote on his Instagram Stories. "Thoughts and prayers for his fans and family. Raising a Red Cup. Heaven's a honkytonk tonight."
<p>Luke Combs</p>
"Damn, RIP @tobykeith," he wrote on his Instagram Stories. "I can't believe you're gone. You left one hell of a mark on country music and we all owe you one."
<p>Kristin Chenoweth</p>
“I loved him as a musician,” she commented on Instagram. “A great Oklahoman. A great American. What a loss.”
<p>Zach Bryan</p>
“Too many rides in my old man’s car listening to Toby Keith,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “really hard thing to hear rest in peace friend we love you.”
<p>Carrie Underwood </p>
"Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!" she wrote on Instagram. "Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend."
<p>Old Dominion</p>
"Toby Keith was a true trail blazer," the band wrote on Instagram. "Authentic and heartfelt but always with a wink ‘til the end. He was larger than life in so many ways and his music will live on forever! Raising our red solos tonight—you will be missed by so many. Peace."
<p>Jelly Roll</p>
"We covered 'Should've Been a Cowboy' at every show last year," he wrote on his Instagram Stories. "Toby inspired millions and I was one of them RIP."
<p>Hoda Kotb</p>
"So sad to hear about @tobykeith passing…." she wrote on Instagram. "Playing his music this morning…and remembering RIP."
<p>Randy Houser</p>
"God Bless you and Family," he commented underneath the post announcing Keith's passing. "Hard to imagine an America without Toby Keith in it.”
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