Legendary Country Singer Toby Keith Passes Away At 62
Country music icon Toby Keith, celebrated for chart-toppers like Red Solo Cup and Should’ve Been a Cowboy, bid farewell to the world at the age of 62. The news of his passing, shared by his family on social media, has left a void in the hearts of fans across the nation.
Born Toby Keith Covel on July 8, 1961, in the heartland of Oklahoma, this proud son of the soil embodied the American spirit. His journey from a farm in Oklahoma City to the grand stages of the world is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Before making a mark in the music industry, Toby toiled as a rodeo hand during his high school years and worked the oil fields after graduation, all while honing his musical skills in local bars at night.
It was during his time with the band Easy Money that Toby met his soulmate, Tricia Lucus, whom he would marry in 1984 after three years of courtship. Together, they embarked on a lifelong journey filled with love, music, and family. Toby lovingly adopted Tricia’s daughter, Shelley Covel Rowland, born in 1980, and the couple welcomed two more children, Krystal in 1985 and Stelen in 1997.
Toby Keith’s music career soared to new heights in the early ’90s when he signed a solo record deal. His breakout single, Should’ve Been a Cowboy, topped the charts in 1993, becoming the most-played country song of the decade. His self-titled debut album was certified platinum, setting the stage for a string of hits that continued into the early 2000s, including How Do You Like Me Now?! and You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This. Collaborations with artists like Sting and Willie Nelson further showcased his versatility.
Known for his honky-tonk and country-rock anthems that celebrated the cowboy way of life and American patriotism, Toby earned the prestigious entertainer of the year award five times at the ACM Awards. He was also honored with the Merle Haggard spirit award in 2021 and inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021.
Throughout his career, Toby was not afraid to voice his opinions and found himself embroiled in controversies, notably with Natalie Maines of The Chicks and Kris Kristofferson. These incidents, however, did not deter him from pursuing his passion and sharing his authentic voice with the world.
Beyond music, Toby’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he opened the popular restaurant chain, “I Love This Bar & Grill,” in 2005, named after his hit single. His reach extended to the political arena as he performed for U.S. presidents, including George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, and received the National Medal of the Arts in 2021 from the latter. He also supported the U.S. military by going on USO tours to play for troops serving overseas and dedicating one of his hit song, American Soldier.
In 2023, Toby openly discussed his battle with stomach cancer, describing it as a rollercoaster of good and bad days. His resilience and unwavering spirit inspired many as he continued to perform, even headlining shows in Las Vegas in December 2023, marking his return after battling cancer and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his own words, Toby Keith summed up his journey: “Through COVID and cancer, the old devil’s been after me a little bit. I’ve got him by the horns right now, so instead of just sitting around and waiting, we’re gonna get the band back together.”
