Toby Keith Dead at 62

(RepublicanDaily.org) – Tobey Keith, one of America’s most beloved and iconic music icons, passed away recently after battling stomach cancer for more than a year. He was 62 years old.

In a brief statement posted on social media, the singer’s family confirmed the news of his death. The statement said that Keith fought to live with “grace and courage” and died peacefully while surrounded by family. The statement also asked the public and his fans to respect his family’s privacy as they grieve the loss of their loved one.

In 2022, Keith publicly revealed that he was undergoing treatment for stomach cancer. Still, he continued to perform for his fans, the most recent of which was a sold-out show in Las Vegas in December of last year.

Before beginning his career in country music, Keith first worked in the oil fields of his native Oklahoma, also enjoying a brief stint as a semi-professional football player. He rose to fame in the 1900s, his booming voice and tall and husky look making him seem tailor-made for country music. His blue-collar background was apparent both in his music and his lifestyle, making him more relatable to his legions of fans. He was proud of his working-class roots, and aside from creating songs with down-to-earth lyrics that fans could better connect to, he also strongly resisted efforts from music executives who attempted to “smooth out” his rough edges.

Keith’s hits ranged from the patriotic “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” – which was especially poignant in the aftermath of 9/11 – to the more upbeat and boisterous bar room songs like “Red Solo Cup” and “I Love This Bar.” His other popular songs include “Beer for My Horses,” which he sang with another iconic country and folk music icon, Willie Nelson; as well as “My List,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” and “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”