Country music icon Toby Keith, known for his chart-topping albums, passed away at 62. A statement on his official website announced his peaceful passing on Monday, surrounded by loved ones, noting that he faced his battle with grace and bravery.
Keith had been battling stomach cancer, a diagnosis he disclosed in June 2022. He had been undergoing treatment for six months before his passing.
Born Toby Keith Covel in 1961 in Oklahoma, Keith's upbringing shaped his blue-collar, all-American persona, which resonated throughout his music career. Alongside his passion for guitar since childhood, he pursued American football, even playing with the semi-professional Oklahoma City Drillers, and worked in oilfields as a derrick hand.
Transitioning to music, Keith honed his craft in honky-tonk bands during the mid-1980s before starting a solo career. His breakthrough came with his self-written debut single, "Should've Been a Cowboy," which topped the US country charts in 1993, marking the beginning of a remarkable career with 20 chart-topping hits.
One of his most notable songs, "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)," released after the September 11 attacks in 2001, sparked controversy for its patriotic and aggressive lyrics. Despite criticism, it contributed to Keith's commercial success, with a string of No. 1 hits between 2000 and 2004.
Throughout his career, Keith remained a prominent figure on country radio and continued to release music, with his latest album, "Peso in My Pocket," dropping in 2021.
Beyond music, Keith dedicated himself to performing for US troops in the Middle East. He expressed his political views, describing himself as a "conservative Democrat" and supporting candidates across the political spectrum.
In a September update on his cancer treatment, Keith acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism. He is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucus, and their three children. Toby Keith's legacy as a country music legend and patriot will endure through his timeless music and impact on the industry.
