On Tuesday, February 5th the country music community woke up to the heartbreaking news of Toby Keith’s death. He was one of the 90s and 2000s more charismatic country artists. He was known for his songs that were heavy in humor, romance, and patriotism, even though they were mixed with a heavy dose of post 9/11 jingoism. Keith got his first record deal in 1993. His debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” went number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs in 1993. Should’ve Been a Cowboy reached 93 on the Billboard Hot Country out of 100. Toby Keith died at age 62 battling stomach cancer, surrounded by his loved ones according to a statement on his website. “He fought his fight with grace and courage” according to the website.
In June 2022 Toby Keith announced he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021. He had already received chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. It had been more than two years since he was diagnosed. Last June, he told the Oklahoma newspaper that his tumor had shrunk by a third and he was continuing chemotherapy according to NBC news. He said he was taking immunotherapy, he said the medicine helps the immune system destroy the cancer cells. Throughout his cancer treatments, he continued to perform. He played in Las Vegas in December and appeared at the People’s Choice Country Awards in 2023.
He told KWTV that “cancer is a roller coaster.” His death sparked renewed calls from doctors to pay attention to signs of stomach cancer.
Shortly after his death, Toby Keith’s passing went viral. Family, friends, and even fans were mourning his death. He had many fans, and some of them were heartbroken. One of his fans wrote “We lost a legend. “Toby-Keith- his music will live on forever,” the Taste of Country news Organization wrote. He will certainly be remembered.
