Country Music Star Toby Keith Dies Aged 62

Country music star Toby Keith, has died aged 62.

The singer, renowned for hits such as 'Red Solo Cup', and 'Should've Been A Cowboy', had been battling with stomach cancer since 2022. His death was confirmed via a statement shared via his official website. 

It read, “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on [February] 5 surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time".

Despite his diagnosis, Keith continued to perform throughout his treatments, including a live show in Las Vegas back in December, where he took to the stage at the People's Choice Country Awards, where he sang 'Don't Let the Old Man In'. 

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In 1993, Keith signed for Mercury Records, before releasing his self-titled LP that same year, 'Should've Been A Cowboy', which became the most played country song of that decade. He also released his popular rendition of “A Little Less Talk And A Lot More Action". 

Keith had 20 Number One Hits in the Billboard Charts in his career, including ‘How Do You Like Me Now?!’, ‘As Good As I Once Was’, ‘My List’ and his Willie Nelson duet ‘Beer for My Horses’. In 2005 , Keith also co-founded Big Machine Records. 

The singer was also known for his involvement in several celebrities including Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, and journalists. He also performed at the pre-inaugural  “Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration” at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C, which celebrated the beginning of Donald Trump's presidency in 2017. 

Trump also awarded Keith the National Medal of the Arts to Keith in 2021, alongside Ricky Skaggs during a private ceremony at the oval office. 

Toby Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucas, and their three children.