Country music legend Toby Keith has died at the age of 62 after a battle with stomach cancer.
The “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer died on Monday night surrounded by his family, according to an official statement shared on social media.
“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family,” the post shared on X read. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Earlier this month, the “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” hitmaker opened up about his cancer battle, revealing he was first diagnosed in 2021.
“I was going through all the chemo, radiation, surgery, and I got to the point where I was comfortable with whatever happened. I had my brain wrapped around it, and I was in a good spot either way,” he told 9News.
“Oh, she’s been a trooper. She’s the best nurse. The first time we went to Houston, to the hospital, she stepped right in and she just took control and said, ‘We got this. Let’s go.’ So she’s like, ‘We’re going to get this and don’t worry about it,’” he told the outlet.
In June last year, Keith told The Oklahoman that he had spent over six months undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
The multi-platinum-selling singer first spoke about his cancer battle publicly in 2022.
“So far, so good,” he said in the summer. “I need time to breathe, recover, and relax. I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”
During his glittering career which spanned over three decades, Keith sold over 40 million records thanks to patriotic hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “Made in America” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).”
He released his debut album in 1993 and is known for hits including “Red Solo Cup” and “I Wanna Talk About Me.”
Keith went on to release albums “Blue Moon,” “Pull My Chain,” and “Unleashed,” in 1996, 2001, and 2002, respectively.
His other hits include “Who’s Your Daddy” and “As Good as I Once Was.”
Prior to launching his successful music career in the ’90s, the Oklahoma native worked in oil fields before becoming a semi-pro football player.
Most recently, Keith performed at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards in September, where he received the Country Icon Award.
In 2006, Keith set up a foundation to help children battling cancer.
The music legend is survived by his wife Tricia Lucas, and their three children Shelley, Krystal, and son, Stelen. He also leaves behind four grandchildren.
