Country singer Toby Keith died on Monday at the age of 62 after a battle with stomach cancer.A statement posted to Keith’s website and social media on Tuesday morning read: “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Keith was perhaps best known for his 1993 breakout hit song, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which was played 3 million times on radio stations and became the most played country song of the 1990s. Among his other 20 No. 1 Billboard hits were “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List” and “Beer for My Horses,” a duet with Willie Nelson. His 2002 song, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” showcased his patriotism following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Among his many achievement were being awarded ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ and ‘Album of the Year’ at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2001; Keith would go on to win ‘Entertainer of the Year’ in 2003 and 2004. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.
Keith announced his cancer diagnosis in June 2022. Ahead of receiving the Country Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards last year, Keith spoke of the “roller coaster” experience of going through cancer treatment: “You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and down. It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today.” The singer continued to record and perform through his illness, appearing live over three nights in Las Vegas in December. According to his official website, Keith sang many of his 32 No. 1 hits and 42 Top 10 hits. He released his final album, “Peso in My Pocket,” in 2021.
Toby Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia, three children and four grandchildren.
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