Country music icon Toby Keith has passed away, as announced by his official website and social media accounts early on Tuesday, 18 months after he revealed his battle with stomach cancer.
He was 62 years old.
In a brief statement, it was shared that the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer passed away Monday night, surrounded by his loved ones. “He faced his fight with dignity and bravery,” the statement added. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum honored Keith as a figure who was “bold, fearless, and unyielding in his pursuits.”
“His narrative epitomizes the American spirit — a former oil worker who made his mark in country music with a distinctive voice and an unwavering determination to succeed. From penning his breakthrough songs to establishing his own record label when he felt overlooked by Nashville, he relished his outsider status and embraced his autonomy. Unapologetically patriotic, he remained steadfast in his convictions, even if they stirred controversy. For three decades, he embodied the resilient spirit of the country music audience. His legacy will endure,” the statement read.
Keith disclosed his battle with cancer in June 2022, and in September of the same year, he spoke about the tumultuous journey of undergoing treatment.
“There are good days and, you know, you’re on a roller coaster, up and down. It’s always zero to 60 and back again, but today I feel good,” Keith shared with E! News before receiving the Country Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards.
Despite his illness, Keith continued to record and perform, culminating in a series of live shows in Las Vegas in December. Despite appearing visibly frail, his voice remained strong as he performed many of his 32 No. 1 hits and 42 Top 10 hits, according to his official website.
“Three sold-out shows in Vegas was a fantastic way to close out the year,” he wrote on Instagram.