NASHVILLE (WJW) — Country singer-songwriter Toby Keith, who was fighting stomach cancer, dies at 62, according to his website.
“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family,” a statement on his Facebook page said. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.” Keith leaves behind a wife and three children.
-
In this April 7, 2014, file photo shows Toby Keith performs at ACM Presents an All-Star Salute to the Troops in Las Vegas. Keith is one of several country stars who will be honored by the Academy of Country Music during a television special later this year. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) -
Toby Keith arrives at the People’s Choice Country Awards on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. “Beer For My Horses” singer-songwriter Toby Keith has died. He was 62. Keith passed peacefully on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer’s website. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)
Keith announced his cancer diagnosis on social media in June of 2022. He said at the time that he had spent six months undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
He told FOX News in September of 2023 that he’s been leaning on his faith after his stomach cancer diagnosis.
“I lean on my faith and I just pray and lean into it,” Keith told the outlet. “It was my rock.”
“You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down. … It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero, but I feel good today,” he said at the time.
Keith had a string of hits including “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and “Red Solo Cup.”
The country singer began the Toby Keith Foundation in 2006, which is an organization that streamlines its efforts around no-cost housing for children with cancer.
Keith was a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and accepted the inaugural Country Music Icon award at the People’s Choice Country Awards in Nashville in September 2023.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
