Toby Keith was mourned by fans and fellow country musicians Tuesday after his family announced that the “Should've Been a Cowboy” singer died Monday at age 62 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
The musician, who announced in June 2022 that he had been battling cancer for months, was praised for his songwriting ability, patriotism, gruff attitude and larger-than-life personality, as well as his support of the military. American, veterans and the USO. .
Keith, whose tough post-9/11 hits included “American Ride” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” performed the wrestler’s famous ode “American Soldier” at former President Donald’s inauguration in 2017. Triumph. Trump later awarded the country star a National Medal of Arts in 2021. The seven-time Grammy nominee, who identified himself as a conservative Democrat and later claimed to be an independent, also played events for former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack. Obama.
In 2018, the Oklahoma-born “I Love This Bar” singer told The Times that he felt understood by his core fans, but he also believed he had fans “who love you for the wrong reasons.”
“And like a lot of people who have painted me in a corner, there are people standing in that corner ready for me to paint there,” he told Times music critic Mikael Wood. “You will never reach enough people in an interview to avoid being misrepresented.”
Still, many of those fans, Keith's contemporaries and those he influenced took to social media to pay their respects to the late legend.
“It is very sad to know that Toby Keith has died. Wow,” tweeted musician Bobby Bones, who opened for Keith on the tour. “He was with us in the studio and seemed super positive. I have had the honor of opening for him on his tour. Playing with him at festivals. and have it in the studio many times. Gathering notes and thoughts to talk about it this morning.”
“Just woke up to the news of Toby Keith's passing.” tweeted His compatriot Jason Aldean. “Today is a sad day for Country music and its fans. Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all admired and respected. You and your music will always be remembered as a great man.”
“Waking up to the terrible news that our friend and legend @tobykeith passed away from cancer.” tweeted John Rich from Big and Rich. “He was a true patriot, a first-class singer and songwriter and an incredible person. “We will miss him very much.”
“Rest in peace to Toby Keith. He was absolutely pro-America, he wrote songs that could make you want to drink a beer or cry and he gave people something to fall back on after 9/11. A true legend who will never be replaced.” tweeted David Hookstead, Outkick reporter and podcaster.
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Toby Keith. He has forever left a mark on country music. Our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time,” the Country Music Association said. he tweeted and wrote on Instagram.
Toby Keith performs at the iHeartCountry Festival on October 30, 2021 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.
(Jack Plunkett / Invision / Associated Press)
The Academy of Country Music Awards, which named Keith Entertainer of the Year twice, in 2002 and 2003, summed up his spectacular career at the institution, which totaled 15 awards.
“With worldwide sales of more than 40 million albums, he built an exceptional career with well-sung ballads, bar songs and patriotic anthems, as well as heartfelt songwriting, for which he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and received the National Medal of Arts,” the ACM said in a statement posted on social media. “In fact, Keith wrote the vast majority of his no. 1 and had a single that topped the charts every year for 20 consecutive years. He also tirelessly dedicated himself to countless charitable initiatives, including various USO tours and events. Most recently, he received the ACM Spirit Award, given to a singer-songwriter who continues the legacy of country legend Merle Haggard. Please join the Academy in sending love, healing and prayers to his family, friends and millions of fans around the world.”
“Legendary country singer and songwriter Toby Keith left us too soon after a battle with cancer. 20 number one hits on the billboard!” tweeted Hollywood Workers Union SAG-AFTRA. “We raise a 'Red Solo Cup' and send our condolences to his family, colleagues and millions of fans. Let him rest. #SagAftraMember since 1993.”
“Toby Keith brought joy to millions of people around the world through his music, especially our men and women in uniform. He was a great American and an exceptional storyteller who will be sorely missed by country music. Raise your 'Red Solo Cup' to Toby for a life well lived.” wrote Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)
Keith's family announced his death on their official social media accounts, prompting more tributes in the comments sections of the posts and responses filled with memories of the “Red Solo Cup” and “Beer for My Horses” singer.
“This hits hard,” singer Jake Owen commented on Instagram. “I love you Toby and Trish. My ❤️ is for your family and thank you very much for what you did for this world. “Rest tall and easy”
“God bless you and your family. “It’s hard to imagine an America without Toby Keith,” added singer-songwriter Randy Houser.
“I hate hearing this,” wrote Georgia-raised artist Channing Wilson. “You fought hard brother. Prayers for his family. RIPTK.”
“Wow, this ad has totally taken my breath away. “I have been praying for Toby and it is truly wonderful to know that he is finally home, praise Jesus,” wrote actor Stephen Baldwin.
“Toby, you were great. The most real of the real. Rest easy brother,” wrote 3 Doors Down musician Brad Arnold.
“Toby Keith was a staple in my family growing up. What a gift he was and always will be to country music.🙏🏼♥️,” wrote singer-songwriter Lana Scott.
“Part of me is heartbroken and wiped tears from my face as I thought about the memories we shared and the conversations we had. While the other part of me is at peace because I know you are sitting with the almighty right now smiling and feeling no pain,” Lance Carpenter commented on Instagram. “I don't know how to thank you for everything you and your family have done for me, but know that I will always be there for them. Damn, I'm going to miss you, buddy.”
“Man. Not just a county music king. But he was a man to admire for the way he lived and loved. Rest easy up there TB. ❤️,” Caden McGuire wrote.
“Toby, we will miss you. To me, you represented what a kid from Oklahoma could do with nothing more than a dream and some songs. And man, those were some SONGS. I am grateful for the opportunities I was given and for the masterclass in live performance and hospitality. You are a legend. RIP,” added musician Corey Kent.
“Absolutely heartbreaking. Not only a country music legend, but an American hero,” wrote Austin Burke. “He will be remembered for what he did for our great military more than anything and I know that's how he would want it. God bless Toby and his family.”
