NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music singer Toby Keith has died at age 62. “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage,” according to a statement on his website.
The “Shock’n Y’all” and “Red Solo Cup” singer had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and started treatments in fall 2021. He had surgery and received chemotherapy and radiation in the course of his cancer battle.
“Toby Keith has gone home. This is very sad news. We loved and respected him on every level and whispered many a prayer for him as he fought this illness. God must have needed a big-hearted Oklahoma singing boy for the great choir. Well, he got one. RIP Toby Keith.” – The Oak Ridge Boys
“I admire the way Toby battled this awful illness. He released new music, and he was on stage at the end. There is nothing coming along to replace people like him.” – Don McLean
“Toby Keith did things his way – amazing artist, songwriter, patriot, and man of faith. I admired him and how he rolled. He and I shared a deep love for our military, and I’m proud that he took his music to dangerous places in order to give the American spirit to those protecting freedom. I was pleased he called me the OG and was honored to work with him a few times through the years. Please join our family in praying for the Keith family. I am confident that Toby was met at the pearly gates by patriots who have gone before and is resting in the arms of Jesus.” – Lee Greenwood
“It’s heartbreaking to lose Toby Keith. I’ve always been a big fan of Toby and his music, and I’ll always treasure singing with him. Toby was a great American.” – Crystal Gayle
“Toby was the embodiment of GOD, Family, & Country… and had a way of making you stand up a little taller when singing about (or honoring) our service men and women. We are better country music artists because of the life and legacy of Toby Keith. Rest well, brother, may your music and legacy live on forever!” – Chapel Hart
“It’s always sad when hearing that one of our great talents has left for home. He was truly one of the most talented singer-songwriters ever to grace a stage. Hearing his voice and music through the years always brought a smile to my face. Kelly and I have often prayed for him since hearing of his diagnosis. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and legions of fans all over the world. R.I.P. Toby.” – T.G. Sheppard
“What a loss to our music. A great talent with a big heart. Everybody loved Toby. RIP.” – Moe Bandy
“Toby has been a great talent and image in the music business and will be respected and remembered forever.” – Janie Fricke
“Toby was a true American success story and never forgot what America stands for. He was an icon. God bless his family at this sorrowful time. R.I.P.” – T. Graham Brown
“I have always enjoyed Toby Keith’s music throughout the years. He’s always been a patriot with his continued support for our military. This one hits hard for sure!” – Johnny Lee
“I knew Toby from back in our Oklahoma nightclub days. He was the leader of the “Easy Money“ band, and I remember looking up to him as a band leader even back then. I think the thing I admired most about him is that he did things his own way and made no apologies for it! I’m told that he came out to the last show we performed in Grove, Oklahoma, but had to leave before we came off stage. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye or tell him how much I’ve looked up to him over the years. I hope he knew. Rest in peace, my Oklahoma brother!” – Heath Wright / RICOCHET
“I didn’t know Toby, but he had so many people who loved him, and I’m very sorry to hear of his passing.” – Lacy J. Dalton
“Toby Keith was relatable to fans from all genres. This is a loss we will all feel for a long time. He fought a true fight and has been an inspiration to us all.” – Artimus Pyle
“Toby Keith was as tough as the oilfields of Oklahoma with the soul of a poet. He fought his battle with cancer with the same toughness, grace, and resolve the same way he approached his craft of songwriting. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.” – Dallas Wayne
“The story that will forever define Toby Keith for me is very personal. My son Torre was serving his first tour in Iraq – stationed in a remote area on the outskirts of Samarra in a very volatile area. Toby came to Iraq to entertain our troops. However, after several shows, Toby said he wanted to entertain those men who were isolated. Toby was told of a small group of men in “No Man’s Land” but was strongly advised not to go there. It was too dangerous. Toby insisted. He didn’t want to endanger the lives of other musicians and entertainers, so he went alone. But for a few hours, Toby and his guitar brought a piece of America to a handful of Americans who needed a reminder that they were not forgotten. I will always love Toby Keith for the morale boost he gave my son when he needed it most. I will always remember him as a man of character.” – Tim Atwood
“It’s a sad day for country music. Toby Keith has always been a favorite of mine, from being as young as nine, hearing “Red Solo Cup” every Christmas, to growing up and becoming an even bigger fan of his listening to his cowboy songs. I also truly admired his adoration and appreciation for the military. You will be missed, sir. Raise a glass for us all up there.” – Makenzie Phipps
“As a 90s kid, Toby Keith was a lot of the soundtrack of my childhood. I sang along to many of his songs from the back seat of my mom’s car & fell in love with his spirit for the words he was singing & the people he was singing for. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends as they navigate these next few weeks & months without him. He fought a good fight & will be missed!” – Paige King Johnson
“Toby Keith epitomized what real country music is all about. His heart for this country was true Red, White, and Blue.” – Joey Canyon / Canyon Star TV
“When Toby Keith died, a piece of my childhood died with him. His music has been the soundtrack of my life. Today, we lost a true icon, and he will be missed.” – Will Wesley
“Toby Keith owned the radio airwaves when I was a kid. “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” was one of his boldest moves as an artist. I love that song and appreciate him always speaking his mind. Cancer is indiscriminate. We’ll miss him.” – Levi Riggs
“I have been to many Toby Keith concerts since hearing How Do You Like Me Now back in 1999 and my fondest memory I have of him was at the ACM Awards back in 2012 as a seatfiller. We were able to rehearse that song in the arena stairs with Wayne Newton and Carrot Top and Toby had so much fun and he was so nice to all of us. Toby signed some of the Red Solo Cups we had during the rehearsal. Toby thanked us for being part of that song and said it was fun. I honor you today with my Red Solo Cup, raise it and take a drink to you in Heaven and think of all the wonderful memories you have given me and all your fans. Peace my friend. Judy Shields, The Hollywood Times
