Country music star, Toby Keith passed away on Monday (5 February) at 62 years old after months long battle with stomach cancer. He was surrounded by his family, who left a statement: “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Keith is survived by his wife Tricia Lucus. They were married in 1984. The pair shared three children: Krystal, Stelen, and Shelley.
He revealed on June 12, 2022, that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, and would be spending time with his family, and fighting the disease.
The country music star released over 21 studio albums, and 69 singles during his career including “Red Solo Cup”, “American Soldier,” “I Love This Bar,” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” Among many other great hits, 65 of his 69 singles graced the Billboard charts over the years.
Among his 20 No. 1 Billboard hits were “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “As Good as I Once Was,” “My List” and “Beer for My Horses,” a duet with Willie Nelson.
Keith started out his music career back in Oklahoma, where he grew up. Toby and his band would perform at different bars around OK. and Texas.
After a career working in the oil industry plunged, Toby played few seasons as a defensive end for the Oklahoma City Drillers, a farm team for United States Football League.
His heart was not in it, He eventually made his way to Nashville, TN. to pursue his music career. He released his debut record, “Toby Keith,” with Mercury Records in 1993. The album included the hit song, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” a song that would be heard across the Globe. The song debuted on the Billboards at #1 and that was a start to a very extensive career of number one hits, albums, tours, awards, and accomplishments throughout.
He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.
Toby Keith is a country icon and to see him perform LIVE is a show you will never forget. His music will live on for the rest of time. Rest in Paradise. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans across the Globe.
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