Toby Keith, the beloved country music star, has passed away at the age of 62. The news was announced on his social media platforms and website early Tuesday.

Toby Keith, the country music star, peacefully passed away last night, February 5th, surrounded by his family. He showed great courage throughout his battle. Let’s honor his family’s privacy during this time.

In June 2022, Toby Keith shared that he’d been battling stomach cancer since the previous autumn. He underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation over the past six months. Keith tweeted that he was doing okay, but he needed time to rest and recuperate.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with my family. But I’ll be back to see my fans soon. Can’t wait!”

Unapologetic patriot.

Toby Keith, a notable figure in the world of country music, rose to prominence during the 1990s for his rugged persona and songs that honored the United States. He’s known for his outspoken nature, often finding himself in disagreements with fellow celebrities and members of the media. Moreover, he remains steadfast in his commitment to maintaining his authenticity, even when faced with pressure from record labels to alter his image.

Toby Keith was well-known for his overt patriotism, particularly evident in songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” following the events of 9/11. Additionally, he entertained audiences with lively bar tunes such as “I Love This Bar” and “Red Solo Cup.” Possessing a powerful voice and a clever sense of humor, Keith had the ability to perform a wide range of songs, from heartfelt love ballads to energetic drinking anthems.

Toby Keith hit the top of the charts with popular songs like “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List,” and “Beer for My Horses,” a duet featuring Willie Nelson. These tracks all reached number one on the Billboard charts.

Path to Stardom.

Before Toby Keith began his singing career, he worked in the oil fields of Oklahoma and also played semi-professional football.

In 2001, Toby Keith told The Associated Press, ‘I write about life and sing about life. I don’t overanalyze things.’ He said this after his song ‘I’m Just Talking About Tonight’ became a hit.

Raised in the bustling oil fields, Keith gained valuable life lessons that toughened him up and emphasized the importance of money.

In 1996, Toby Keith told The Associated Press, ‘The money to be made was unbelievable. I finished high school in 1980, and they offered me a job in December 1979, $50,000 a year. I was only 18.

When the domestic oil field industry collapsed, Keith hadn’t saved, and it nearly broke him. ‘So I just learned. I’ve taken care of my money this time,’ he said.

After playing as a defensive end for the Oklahoma City Drillers, a farm team for the now-defunct United States Football League, Keith found steady income playing music with his band in Oklahoma and Texas.

Throughout everything, music was the constant,” he said. “But it’s challenging to decide, ‘I’m going to make my fortune singing or writing music,’ when you have no connections.

At last, he arrives.

Eventually, he made his way to Nashville, catching the attention of Mercury Records head Harold Shedd, known for his work with Alabama. Keith signed with Mercury and released his platinum debut album ‘Toby Keith’ in 1993.

His hit single ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’ dominated the airwaves, with 3 million radio plays, making it the most played country song of the 1990s.

However, Keith felt sidelined by the label’s emphasis on superstar Shania Twain and pressured to move towards a more pop-oriented direction.

They wanted me to change, and I was miserable,” Keith told the AP. “Everyone was trying to make me into something I’m not.”

After releasing successful albums with hits like “Who’s That Man” and a cover of Sting’s “I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying,” Keith switched to DreamWorks Records in 1999.

That’s when his smash hit “How Do You Like Me Now?!” took off, becoming his first crossover hit. In 2001, he won male vocalist of the year and album of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, proudly saying from the stage: “I’ve waited a long time for this. Nine years!

Songs like ‘I Wanna Talk About Me,’ where a guy complains about his talkative partner, got attention for sounding like rap,” Keith said in a 2001 interview with “Billboard” magazine. However, he brushed off the comparison, stating, “They’re going to call it a rap song, (although) there ain’t nobody doing rap who would call it rap.

Familiar with controversy.

Keith often expressed his political views openly, particularly after the 2001 terrorist attacks. Initially identifying as a conservative Democrat, he later claimed to be an independent. He performed at events for Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, with the latter awarding him a National Medal of the Arts in 2021. His songs and outspoken opinions occasionally stirred controversy, which he appeared to embrace.

In his 2002 song, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” he included a provocative line: “We’ll put a boot in your ass – It’s the American way” – directed at those who threatened America.

The song was removed from a Fourth of July special for being too angry. Singer Steve Earle criticized it as “appealing to people’s worst instincts when they’re hurt and scared.”

A feud also erupted between Keith and The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks). It began when Natalie Maines expressed shame towards President George W. Bush at a concert. Maines had previously called Keith’s song “ignorant.”

Despite Keith’s support for artists’ political freedom, he exacerbated tensions by using a doctored photo of Maines with Saddam Hussein at his concerts, fueling further anger among fans.

Maines responded by wearing a shirt with the letters “FUTK” onstage at the 2003 ACM Awards, which many believed was aimed at Keith.

He also publicly confronted actor Ethan Hawke, who had written a story in “Rolling Stone” resembling Keith. Backstage at an awards show, Keith expressed anger towards Hawke, calling it a “fictitious (expletive) lie.”

Keith left the ACM Awards early in 2003 feeling snubbed, missing out on winning entertainer of the year. He returned the next year to win the top prize again, along with other awards.

He showed his support for the military by going on 11 USO tours and raised millions for charity, including funding a home for families battling cancer.

After starting his own record label, Show Dog, in 2005, Keith continued to find success with hits like “Love Me If You Can” and “Red Solo Cup.” He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.

In November 2022, he received the BMI Icon award, shortly after announcing his stomach cancer diagnosis.