Toby Keith dies at 62 from stomach cancer: Bobby Bones, Stephen Baldwin, more pay tribute
The country music community woke up to the news Tuesday that Toby Keith had died from stomach cancer. He was 62.
Many in the close-knit community as well as other famous faces were quick to share their shocked reactions. Most turned to the comments section on Keith's verified Instagram page, which announced his death in the early hours of the morning.
"God Bless you and Family. Hard to imagine an America without Toby Keith in it," singer Randy Houser commented.
Channing Wilson wrote, "Hate to hear this. You fought hard brother. Prayers for his family. RIPTK."
"Wow this announcement has totally taken my breath away. I've been praying for Toby and it is truly wonderful to know he is finally home praise Jesus," Stephen Baldwin commented.
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Bobby Bones, who opened for Keith on tour, wrote on X, "So sad to hear about Toby Keith dying. wow. He was just with us in studio and seemed super positive."
"Ive had the honor of opening for him on his tour. playing with him at festivals. and having him, in studio many times. Gathering notes and thoughts to talk about it coming up this morning," Bones added.
Country singer-songwriterToby Keith, dies at 62
John Rich of Big & Rich took to X, writing, "Waking up to the terrible news that our friend, and legend @tobykeith has passed away from cancer. He was a true Patriot, a first class singer/songwriter, and a bigger than life kind of guy. He will be greatly missed."
Keith died peacefully on Monday surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer's website. "He fought his fight with grace and courage," the statement said. He was diagnosed in 2021.
Keith revealed his diagnosis in a June 2022 Instagram post, noting he "spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery."
"So far, so good," he wrote at the time. "I need time to breathe, recover and relax. I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can't wait."
He was in similarly good spirits at the People's Choice Country Awards, where he received the 2023 Country Icon award in September. "It's a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days and, you know, you're up and down, up and down," Keith told E! News. "It's always zero to 60 and 60 to zero, but I feel good."
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Keith returned to performing late last year, including dual Las Vegas "rehab" shows, as he referred to them, to allow him to get reacquainted with performing.
Sometimes a polarizing figure in country music, the 6-foot-4 singer broke out in the country boom years of the 1990s, crafting an identity around his macho, pro-American swagger and writing songs that fans loved to hear.
Over his career, he publicly clashed with other celebrities and journalists and often pushed back against record executives who wanted to smooth his rough edges.
He was known for his overt patriotism on post-Sept. 11 songs like "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," and boisterous barroom tunes like "I Love This Bar" and "Red Solo Cup." He had a powerful booming voice, a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor and range that carried love songs as well as drinking songs.
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.
Contributing: Leora Arnowitz, Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
Toby Keith,in one of his final interviews, remained optimistic amid cancer battle