Country music lost a legend in February after superstar Toby Keith passed away aged 62. Toby was diagnosed with stomach cancer back in 2021, and had bravely battled his illness by undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
His heartbroken family posted a message on Toby’s Instagram, saying he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, adding: “He fought his fight with grace and courage.”Toby grew up in a small town just outside of Oklahoma city and was raised on a farm. He showed an interest in music from a young age, learning to play the guitar at eight. He worked as a rodeo hand while in high school and on oil fields during his 20s.
Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton and Luke Combs led tributes to the late star, with Carrie Underwood saying: “Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven. We’re gonna miss you, Toby.” “If you can’t already tell by our award winners and our performers, the music business is going country. We’re going country,” she said at the Billboard NMPA Songwriter Awards.