Toby Keith Dies At Age 62 Following Cancer Battle

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Country Music Icon Toby Keith Dies Following Battle With Stomach Cancer

Toby Keith, the country music icon behind songs such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “American Soldier,” and “My List,” has died.

Toby was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021. He went public with the news a few months later. At that time, he told his followers he was taking a break from performing so he could focus on his treatments and spend time with his family.

Toby recently shared how his wife, Tricia Covel, helped him through those times:

“Aw she’s been a trooper. She’s the best nurse. She absolutely – the first time we went to Houston, the hospital, she stepped right in, and she just took control, and said ‘We’ve got this, let’s go.’ She’s like, ‘We’re gonna get this, and don’t worry about it.'”

Toby Had A “Comeback” At The People’s Choice Country Awards In September

In September 2023, Toby had a big “comeback” moment when he was honored with the Country Icon Award at the first People’s Choice Country Awards.

Toby sang his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” and moved millions with his performance.

The song includes lyrics such as, “Many moons I have lived. My body’s weathered and worn.” Those lyrics hit a little harder seeing Toby onstage after everything he’d been through.

After that, Toby scheduled three shows in Las Vegas for December. All three concerts sold out.

While Toby was seemingly doing better, he said in a recent interview that he was still undergoing cancer treatment.

“This ailment…is devastating. You take it one day at a time. It’s a rollercoaster,” he said.

Toby Keith’s Family Releases Statement About His Death

In the early morning hours of February 6, Toby Keith’s family shared the heartbreaking news that he died the day prior (February 5). Their statement on his social media pages read:

“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”

 

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Toby is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Tricia Covel, their three children, Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen, and several grandchildren.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Keith’s loved ones during this difficult time.

Toby Keith was the founder of the Toby Keith Foundation. The foundation helps support the OK Kids Korral, which serves as a home-away-from-home for families with children undergoing cancer treatments. If you’d like to make a donation in Toby’s memory, you can visit the Toby Keith Foundation’s official website here.