Country music legend Toby Keith has died at the age of 62 after a battle with stomach cancer.
The “Should Have Been a Cowboy” singer passed away Monday night surrounded by his family, according to an official statement shared on social media.
“Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night, February 5th, surrounded by his family.” Shared by X read. “He fought with grace and courage. Please respect his family’s privacy at this time.”
Earlier this month, the “Red, White, and Blue” hitmaker opened up about his battle with cancer, revealing that he was diagnosed with the disease for the first time in 2021.
“I went through all the chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to get to the point where I was OK with whatever happened. I put my head in the line and was in a position where I could have gone either way,” he said. told 9News.
The singer praised his wife, who was receiving treatment, as “the best nurse.”
“Oh, she was a police officer. She’s the best nurse. The first time we went to the hospital in Houston, she came right in and just took charge and said, . Let’s go.’ So she’s like, ‘Don’t worry, we’re going to get this,'” he told the outlet.
Keith said last June: Oklahoman He reportedly spent more than six months undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
The multi-platinum selling singer first spoke publicly about her battle with cancer in 2022.
“So far it’s been going really well,” he said in the summer. “I need time to breathe, recover, and relax. I’m looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I’ll be seeing my fans sooner or later. I can’t wait.”
During an illustrious career that spanned more than 30 years, Keith was credited with patriotic hits such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “Made in America,” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).” It sold over 40 million records. ”
He released his debut album in 1993 and is known for hits such as “Red Solo Cup” and “I Wanna Talk About Me.”
Keith released the album “Blue Moon,” “Blue Moon,” “Pull My Chain,” and “Unleashed” in 2001 and 2002, respectively.
His other hits include “Who’s Your Daddy” and “As Good as I Once Was.”
Before starting a successful music career in the ’90s, the Oklahoma native worked in the oil fields before becoming a semi-professional American football player.
Most recently, Keith performed at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards in September, where he won the Country Icon award.
In 2006, Keith lay the foundation To help children fighting cancer.
The music legend is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucas, and three children, Sherry, Crystal, and son Stellen. He also leaves behind four grandchildren.
