At the age of 62, country music icon Toby Keith passes away from stomach cancer

Country music star Toby Keith has passed away at the age of 62, as confirmed in a statement on his website. He had been battling stomach cancer, a condition he described as “debilitating.”

The statement expressed that Keith faced his fight with “grace and dignity.” His illustrious career spanned over 30 years, during which hits like “Who’s Your Daddy” and “Made in America” resonated with millions.

Survived by his wife, Tricia Lucas, and three children, Keith had been undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for his cancer.

An Oklahoma native, he transitioned from working in oil fields and semi-professional American Football to becoming a breakout musician in the 1990s. His debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” (1993), became a number one hit, setting the stage for subsequent successful albums like “Blue Moon,” “Pull My Chain,” and “Unleashed.”

Known for incorporating patriotic themes into his songs, Keith’s controversial track “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue (The Angry American)” garnered attention after the 9/11 attacks. Despite facing criticism, Keith continued his career, performing at events for US presidents, including George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.

In 2021, Trump awarded Keith a National Medal of the Arts.