Keith was set to return to touring in 2024
Toby Keith passed away at the age of 62 following a bout with stomach cancer. The news was shared overnight on his social media pages.
“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family,” a message reads. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
The country star revealed the diagnosis in the summer of 2022, after having been diagnosed in fall of 2021.
“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,” he shared. “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”
A month ago, he appeared on the Bobby Bones Show where he discussed his recovery.
“It’s going pretty good. It’s a roller coaster and it takes a little while to get your brain wrapped around it. And then you get to a point where you just say, ‘Hey, this is what I do, and you can’t let it define your future.'” he shared. “The thing I had to overcome is they had to stitch on my diaphragm. And not using it to sing every n right, that is a muscle, you know? So I’ve had to really work that to get it…So it’s like, I’ve had to work on that diaphragm, and it’s getting better all the time.”
After a two-year two break, the singer, songwriter, and entertainer, celebrated a momentous return in 2023 with plans to return to touring in 2024. He surprised fans mid-year with a pair of pop-up shows in Norman, Oklahoma. His final performances were marked by three sell-out shows at Park MGM in Las Vegas in December where he was surprised backstage with Pandora’s Triple Billionaire Plaque for performances of his music on the platform.
The 90s country star released 100% Songwriter in November. The collection highlights his role in writing – by himself – many of his most iconic hits, putting him in company with other performing songwriters including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton.
His final TV appearance was at The People’s Choice Country Awards where he was honored with its inaugural Country Icon award during the show’s NBC/Peacock national telecast in September. Presented by fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton, the honor was followed by Keith’s emotional performance of “Don’t Let The Old Man In” which skyrocketed to the top of Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart and was most-added at country radio. Big Machine Records partnered with Keith to promote the song, which was originally released in 2015.
Last year also saw Keith honored with 20 new gold and platinum certifications by the RIAA.
In June, his 19th Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic raised a record-breaking $1.8 million, bringing the event’s all-in total to almost $18 million. Keith also acquired and revitalized the legendary bait and tackle company Luck E Strike in May 2023.
Keith rose to fame in 1993 with the release of the self-penned “Should’ve Been A Cowboy.” He released 24 studio and compilation albums and sold more than 40 million globally. In his career, he produced more than 60 singles with 20 topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” “How Do You Like Me Now!?,” and “Beer for My Horses” with friend Willie Nelson, were among his biggest hits.
