COUNTRY-VETERAN: Toby Keith på People’s Choice Country Awards i Nashville i fjor. Foto: George Walker IV / AP / NTB
Toby Keith has been ill with cancer for some time. Now it is reported in the artist’s own social channels that he has passed away – aged 62.
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On the American star’s own Instagram It is reported that he died on Monday, surrounded by his loved ones.
«Toby Keith fell asleep peacefully last night, February 5th», it also says his website.
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«He fought with dignity and courage», it continues in the announcement, which was also shared on X/Twitter:
The next of kin are now asking for respect for privacy.
Keith is survived by his wife of 40 years, Tricia, as well as four children and several grandchildren.
«That was the end of the weekend» it says under a video Instagram, which the artist shared a day ago. The video shows Keith on stage in Las Vegas, much to the delight of fans.
Stomach cancer
It was in the summer of 2022 that Toby Keith informed the public that he had stomach cancer, and that he had been through six months of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
He had then lived with the diagnosis since 2021.
2009: Toby Keith in his prime. Photo: UNIVERSAL MUSIC / UNIVERSAL MUSIC
Last September, Keith was honored with the icon award at the People’s Choice Country Awards in Nashville.
– I bet none of you expected to see meg here in “skinny jeans,” the country legend joked when he was called up on stage.
He also performed – with the hit song “Don’t Let the Old Man in” – while his wife sat in the audience wiping away tears.
2018: Toby Keith together with movie star Clint Eastwood at “The Mule” premiere in Los Angeles. Eastwood used Keith’s music in the film. Photo: KEVIN WINTER / AFP / NTB
When Keith was interviewed by The Oklahoman last June, he explained that he was “feeling pretty good”.
– It’s been about eight weeks since my last check-up, so I expect that the next time I’m checked, the cancerous tumor will have shrunk even more.
As recently as one month ago, he gave a television interview with The Oaklahoman – at his own home. Clips from this are now shared on X:
In the interview, Keith described the cancer as a “roller coaster”. He talked about still receiving treatment.
He also explained how important faith in God was, and that he drew strength from it now more than ever.
List tops
Keith can boast a more than 30-year career – and many achievements.
In 2021, he was honored with the National Medals of Arts by Donald Trump. The award is the highest an artist can receive from the US government.
In the justification, it was highlighted, among other things, that the country star has completed 11 tours for deployed American military forces.
2021: Toby Keith on stage in Texas. Photo: Rick Kern / AFP / NTB
The 62-year-old boasts 32 number one spots on the American Billboard Hot Country, with songs such as «Red Solo Cup», «As Good As I Once Was», «Should’ve Been A Cowboy», «He Ain’t Worth Missing» and «A Little Less Talk And A Lot More Action».
Last November he released his latest album – “100% Songwriter”.
But Keith is also controversial due to political and controversial lyrics. When he performed at the Nobel Concert in Oslo in 2009, a number of critical voices were raised.
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Published: 06.02.24 at 09:48
Updated: 06.02.24 at 11:31