County singer Toby Keith has died after battling stomach cancer. He was 62.
Keith, who was diagnosed in 2022, died Monday surrounded by his family, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter, Tuesday morning.
“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family,” according to the statement. “He fought his fight with grace and courage.”
Keith burst into the spotlight in the 1990s and often clashed with both celebrities and journalists, the AP reported.
He was known for his patriotism and penned “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” Keith’s other songs include “I Love This Bar” and “Red Solo Cup.”
Keith announced his stomach cancer diagnosis in a June 2022 post on Instagram, according to People magazine.
“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax,” the statement said.
“I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait. -T”
Keith and his wife, Tricia, were married close to 40 years. He adopted her first daughter, Shelley Covel Rowland, who was born in 1980. The couple then had a daughter, Krystal, in 1985 and a son, Stelen, in 1997, according to People.
Recently, he 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,” Keith told E! News before receiving the Country Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards, according to People.
Keith recorded and performed throughout his illness, NBC reported. He appeared live in December for three nights in Las Vegas. He was visibly thin, but, sang many of his 32 No. 1 hits and 42 Top 10 hits, according to his official website.
“3 sold out shows in Vegas was a damn good way to end the year,” he wrote on X.
Fellow country music artist Jason Aldean took to Instagram in the wake of hearing of Keith’s passing.
“Just waking up to the news of Toby Keith’s passing. Today is a sad day for Country music and its fans. Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all looked up to and respected. You and your music will be forever remembered big man.”
