Raise a red Solo cup: Toby Keith tributes pour in after death from stomach cancer
LOS ANGELES — Toby Keith was mourned by fans and his fellow country musicians Tuesday after his family announced that the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer died Monday at 62 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
The musician, who announced in June 2022 that he had been battling cancer for months, was praised for his songwriting ability, gruff attitude and largerthan-life persona, as well as his support for the American military, veterans and the USO.
Keith — whose toughtalking post 9/11 hits included “American Ride” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” — famously performed the fighter’s ode “American Soldier” at the 2017 inauguration of former President Donald Trump. Trump later awarded the country star with a National Medal of the Arts in 2021. The seven-time Grammy nominee, who identified as a conservative Democrat and later claimed he was an independent, also played at events for former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
In 2018, the Oklahoma-born “I Love This Bar” singer told The Times that he felt understood by his core fans but also believed that he had fans “that love you for the wrong reasons.”
“And as many people that have painted me in a corner, there’s people standing in that corner ready for me to paint in there,” he told Times music critic Mikael Wood. “You’re never gonna reach enough people in any interview to avoid being misrepresented.”
Still, many of those fans, Keith’s contemporaries and those he influenced took to social media to pay their respects to the late legend.
“So sad to hear about Toby Keith dying. wow,” tweeted musician Bobby Bones, who opened for Keith on tour. “He was just with us in studio and seemed super positive. Ive had the honor of opening for him on his tour. playing with him at festivals. and having him, in studio many times. Gathering notes and thoughts to talk about it coming up this morning.”
“Waking up to the terrible news that our friend, and legend @tobykeith has passed away from cancer,” tweeted John Rich of Big & Rich. “He was a true Patriot, a first class singer/songwriter, and a bigger than life kind of guy. He will be greatly missed.”
“RIP to Toby Keith. He was unapologetically pro-America, made songs that could make you want to crack a beer or cry and gave people something to rally around after 9/11. A true legend who will never be replaced,” tweeted Outkick reporter and podcaster David Hookstead.
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Toby Keith. He has forever left a mark on Country Music. Our sincere condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time,” the Country Music Association tweeted and wrote on Instagram.
The Academy of Country Music Awards — which named Keith entertainer of the year twice, in 2002 and 2003 — recapped his spectacular run with the institution, which amounted to 15 awards.
“With worldwide sales of more than 40 million albums, he built an exceptional career on well-sung ballads, barroom singalongs, and patriotic anthems, as well as heartfelt songwriting, for which he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as received the National Medal of Arts,” the ACM said in a statement posted on social media.