The country music star Toby Keith, celebrated for his iconic track Should’ve Been a Cowboy, passed away on February 5, 2024. Embarking on his musical journey alongside his close friends in the Easy Money Band, Keith soared to prominence as one of the genre’s most beloved singers. His debut single Should’ve Been a Cowboy, earned the title of being the most-played country song of the 1990s.
The singer was battling with stomach cancer and the news of his passing was announced on Keith’s official website as well as his social media platforms.
Country Music Legend Toby Keith Passed Away at 62
Country music fans all around the world are mourning the loss of the iconic singer Toby Keith, who passed away at the age of 62 on February 5, 2024. The late singer has left an indelible mark on country music history with his timeless hits like Made in America, Red Solo Cup, and Should’ve Been a Cowboy.
The news was shared by his family on social media platforms along with Keith’s official website with a statement, revealing that the country music legend “passed peacefully” and requested privacy during this difficult time. The statement states,
“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Along with his musical contributions, Toby Keith was also known for his patriotic anthems and unwavering support for the armed forces. As the news of his passing came out, fellow musicians like Carrie Underwood and Jelly Roll along with fans have shared their tribute to the musical icon.
Toby Keith Was Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer
Keith had been battling stomach cancer since his diagnosis in 2021 and had continuously shared details about his treatment. He revealed the diagnosis through an Instagram post in 2022, sharing that he has undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery over the past six months and expressed his desire to spend more time with his family.
Later in an interview with CMT Hot 20 Countdown, Keith described his battle with cancer as “pretty debilitating,” but also expressed optimism about returning. “I’m thinking about getting back in fighting shape. I need a little bit of time to just rest up and heal up,” he said. In June 2023, Keith shared positive news about his health, stating that his tumor had shrunk and his blood scans showed improvement.
And soon after sharing the positive update, the singer took the stage for the first time publicly since revealing his diagnosis at the 2023 Peoples Choice Country Awards, where he performed the emotionally charged song Don’t Let the Old Man from Clint Eastwood’s 2018 film The Mule. He has also shared that he chose the song because of his cancer.
In a conversation with E! News, the Love Me If You Can singer expressed feeling relatively good, despite the ups and downs of his battle with stomach cancer. Toby Keith had an unwavering passion for his music, that remained steadfast even amid his battle with cancer, leaving an inspirational legacy in the hearts of his fans worldwide.
