Country music star Toby Keith has died at the age of 62, his family announced early Tuesday morning.
Keith, best known for songs such as “Red Solo Cup,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “Beer for My Horses,” and the post-9/11 anthem “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” revealed in 2022 that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer.
“Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family,” a statement on his social media said. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
In October, Keith credited his faith for getting him through his health battle, calling it his “rock.”
“I lean on my faith, and I just pray and lean into it,” Keith said. “You gotta do what you gotta do, and I don’t know how people do it without faith. … That’s what I did. It was my rock.”
Despite his battle with cancer, he returned to the music stage in December to perform in Las Vegas. In announcing his return, he joked that he did not want to “let the old man in,” referencing a recent song of his called “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”
The singer also had a restaurant chain named after him and one of his songs, “I Love This Bar,” which was launched in 2005 under the name Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.
In 2017, Keith performed at the inauguration of former President Donald Trump, a performance that he defended from his critics.
“I don’t apologize for performing for our country or military,” Keith said in 2017. “I performed at events for previous Presidents [George W.] Bush and [Barack] Obama and over 200 shows in Iraq and Afghanistan for the USO.”
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Toby Keith, a beloved friend and supporter of the USO. Our hearts are with Toby's family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace dear friend. pic.twitter.com/85nXDVO5ks
— USO (@The_USO) February 6, 2024
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Keith also collaborated several times with the United Service Organization for performances, which issued its own social media post Tuesday afternoon in Keith’s memory.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Toby Keith, a beloved friend and supporter of the USO,” it posted. “Our hearts are with Toby’s family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace dear friend.”
