Toby Keith will be remembered as “an embodiment of the American Spirit” by his son days after his tragic death.
Toby passed away Monday after battling stomach cancer. Toby announced his diagnosis in June 2022.
“You are the strongest man I have ever known. “A fighter. A true titan of your industry, my guiding star, my coach my hero, my friend, my mom’s favorite country Artist, remembering when you came to her home on Mother’s Day as a huge surprise after we did a gig in Escondido, Ca.”
“You are a man whose strength and talent could only be trumped by your ability to be a father and husband. Your impact is forever stamped on the world and on millions of people, yet not many people knew you the way I did. You were my biggest champion and the guiding light in my darkest times.”
“You held a passion that was greater than mountains and it radiates through every lyric and chord. In the everlasting echo from the legacy of your music, you leave me with strength and faith to lean on in the silence that follows. You truly did it your way, from the starting gates to the finish line, and never apologized for it.”
“The only thing I truly ever wanted in life was to make you proud as a friend, an honorable Promoter. I promise I will continue to make you proud… I love you man.”
Toby was best known for his hit song, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” The song became the most played country song of the 1990s as it was played on the radio 3 million times.
Other top hits from Toby include “I Love This Bar,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “Beer For My Horses” and “How Do You Like Me Now?!”
Throughout his career, he received seven Grammy nominations and was named entertainer of the year multiple times at the Country Music Awards. He took home the CMA’s album of the year in 2001 and again in 2004. Keith was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.
Keith released his final album in 2021, “Peso in my Pocket.” Toby continued to perform after being diagnosed with cancer and took the stage one last time in December.
Toby is survived by his wife, Tricia, three children and four grandchildren.