Toby Keith Dead: Celebs React to Country Star’s Death
Country music star Toby Keith died on Monday following a three year battle of stomach cancer. The oftentimes polarizing star, born Toby Keith Covel, was 62 when he died. Over the course of his 30 year career, Keith was best known for hits such as 1993’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” his 2002 response to the 9/11 terror attacks.
The singer-songwriter’s family announced his passing in an Instagram post early Tuesday, writing that he “passed peacefully” and that he was surrounded by his family when he died. “He fought his fight with grace and courage,” the post read, adding to please respect the privacy of his family at this time.
Prior to his passing, Keith had been planning a full-scale 2024 tour, despite his diagnosis, making his death that much more unexpected.
“I feel pretty good,” he said in a September 2023 interview coinciding with a comeback performance at the People’s Choice Country Awards. “It’s a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and gown. It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today.”
In the wake of the news, fans and colleagues flooded to the comments of his Instagram with an outpouring of love and support.
“This hits hard. Love ya Toby and Trish,” commented country music star Jake Owen. My [heart] goes out to your family and thanks big dawg for what you did for this world. Rest high and easy.”
Others, including county music stars Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Zach Bryan, and more expressed their condolences on social media.
“Just waking up to the news of Toby Keith’s passing,” wrote Aldean. “Today is a sad day for country music and its fans. Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all looked up to and respected. You and your music will be forever remembered big man.”
Just waking up to the news of Toby Keith’s passing. Today is a sad day for Country music and its fans. Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all looked up to and respected. You and your music will be forever remembered big man. pic.twitter.com/M2RwMUFdKx
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) February 6, 2024
Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!! Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See… pic.twitter.com/9a2RauHo5p
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) February 6, 2024
Damn, RIP Toby. Can’t believe it.
— Luke Combs ? (@lukecombs) February 6, 2024
too many rides in my old man’s car listening to Toby Keith. really hard thing to hear
rest in peace friend we love you— Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan) February 6, 2024
Keith is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Tricia Lucus, and the couple’s three children, Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen.
