Country legend Toby Keith has died at the age of 62, according to a post on his social media platforms.
‘Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night, February 5, surrounded by his family. He fought his battle with grace and courage. Please respect his family’s privacy at this time,” the message read.
The singer is survived by his wife Tricia Lucas and their three children, daughters Shelley Covel Rowland, fellow singer Krystal Keith and son Stelen. He also had four grandchildren.
Earlier this month, the singer opened up about his battle with stomach cancer in an interview 9News. The Should’ve Been a Cowboy singer was first diagnosed in 2021.
“I went through all the chemotherapy, radiation and surgery and I got to the point where I felt comfortable with whatever was happening. I had my brain wrapped around it, and I was in a good place anyway,” Keith said.
The message was posted on Toby Keith’s social media pages on February 6
Keith pictured with his wife Tricia at the 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards
Keith performing on stage for the BMI Icon Award at the 2022 BMI Country Awards in Nashville in 2022
Keith, a longtime resident of Norman, Oklahoma, said in a June 2023 interview with The Oklahoman that he had already undergone chemotherapy, radiation and surgery in the past six months.
He added that he would continue with chemo, that his tumor had shrunk by a third and that his blood tests looked good.
Keith didn’t speak publicly about his battle with cancer until 2022.
The multi-platinum selling singer said on Twitter that he has undergone surgery and chemotherapy and radiation in the past six months.
“So far, so good,” said Keith, an Oklahoma native who turns 61 on July 8. ‘I need time to breathe, recover and relax.
‘I’m looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I’ll see the fans sooner rather than later. I can not wait.’
Keith started in 2006 establish a foundation to help children in their fight against cancer.