Country music legend Toby Keith passed away on February 5, 2024, at night, as per a brief statement released by his family. The statement further added that the 62-year-old singer was surrounded by his loved ones and had fought his battle with grace and courage. Keith rose to fame as a country artist in the early 1990s and went on to become an icon of the genre.
He is believed to have sold more than 25 million records in the United States, and his songs have been streamed over 10 billion times on digital platforms. His impact on the world of country music will always be remembered and appreciated by his fans and fellow musicians. Keith is survived by his wife of 40 years, Tricia, and three children: Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen.
Toby Keith’s early life and career
Toby Keith Covel, a singer, songwriter, and musician, was born on July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma, to Hubert and Carolyn Keith Covel. He grew up in Oklahoma City, where his grandmother owned a supper club. It was there that he was inspired by the musicians who played at the club and started playing music at a young age.
He received his first guitar when he was eight years old. Keith attended Moore High School, where he played on the football team. After graduation, he worked in the oil fields of Oklahoma as a derrick hand, eventually becoming an operations manager. At the age of 20, he started the Easy Money band and played at local bars while continuing to work in the oil industry. Sometimes, he had to leave in the middle of a performance if he was called to work in the oil field.
Toby was a prolific country music artist who left a lasting impact on the genre. Throughout his career, he recorded and released more than 20 albums and 60 singles, which garnered him numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to country music. Should’ve Been a Cowboy (1993)remains an all-time classic.
What set Toby apart from other artists was the diversity of his music. He wrote and performed everything from patriotic anthems that celebrated American ideals to humorous and lighthearted tracks that showcased his playful side.
His romantic ballads were deeply emotional and heartfelt, while his rowdy tunes were raucous and energetic. Listeners were drawn to Toby’s distinctive voice, which was both powerful and soulful. His songs were characterized by catchy hooks and memorable melodies that stayed with fans long after the music stopped.
In addition to his musical talents, Toby was also known for his outspoken lyrics. He fearlessly tackled controversial topics and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, making him a beloved figure in the country music community. All of these factors combined to establish Toby as a true legend in the world of music.
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Toby Keith and his wife, Tricia were married for almost 40 years
Keith graduated from high school in 1979 and immediately took up a job as an oil field worker, following in his father’s footsteps. It was during his stint at the oil field that he met Tricia Covel, who was working as an oil company secretary at the time.
She was 19, and he was just a year older. The two hit it off instantly, and they started dating. They dated for three years before they decided to tie the knot in 1984.
The couple recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary, a testament to their love and commitment to each other. Tragically, Keith passed away before they could celebrate their 40th year of marriage, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion.
A look at the children of Toby Keith
Tricia and Toby have a beautiful family that includes three children. He adopted his wife’s daughter, Shelley after they married. Besides Shelley, the couple had two more children together. Krystal, born in 1985. She is a musician and a recording artist, following in the footsteps of her father. Krystal is married to Drew, and they have two daughters together, Kirby and Hensley.
Stelen is Toby and Lucia’s youngest child, born in 1997. He is an entrepreneur and is involved with multiple businesses, such as Sellout Crowd, 405 Burger Bar, Tequila Chulos, and Hollywood Corners. He is married to Haley, who is a travel advisor. Together, they make a power couple that has accomplished a lot in their respective fields.
What killed Toby Keith?
The renowned country singer fought a long and arduous battle with stomach cancer that was first diagnosed in 2021. Despite his deteriorating health, he continued to perform and inspire his fans until he decided to make his illness public the following year. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, and he passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 62, surrounded by his loved ones.
Stomach cancer, which is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the stomach, accounts for about 1.5% of all new cancers diagnosed in the United States every year, according to the American Cancer Society.
