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At the age of 62, Toby Keith, the country music icon responsible for some of the biggest hits to come out of Nashville, passed away.
According to Keith's representative, who spoke with NPR, he passed away on Monday. X, the previous Twitter platform, and his official website also reported the news.
The message on Keith's website said, "Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night on February 5, surrounded by his family." "He battled bravery and grace in his fight. At this moment, kindly respect his family's privacy."
In 2022, Keith shared on social media that he had been receiving radiation and chemotherapy treatments for stomach cancer since the fall of 2021.
He said, "So far, so good," at the time. "I need time to breathe, recover and relax."
Keith enjoyed singles including "Red Solo Cup," "How Do You Like Me Now?!" and "Beer For My Horses," a duet with Willie Nelson. He was a famous country performer for thirty years.
The native Oklahoman was raised in Oklahoma City and, following graduation, worked in the oil fields while performing with his own band. Keith eventually turned his attention to music, and after hearing his demo tape, renowned producer Harold Shedd gave him his big break.
He went on to create a number of other songs, such as "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)," which was released in 2002 and was motivated by both the loss of his veteran father and the 9/11 attacks. The unabashedly patriotic song elevated Keith's profile even though it was divisive.
Famously, Keith and Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks (now the Chicks) got into a fight over the song. Known for her opposition to the war in Iraq and then-President George W. Bush, Maines called the song "ignorant" in an interview at the time of its release. As a result, Keith later used a manipulated image of Maines with Saddam Hussein at his shows.
Later on, Keith allegedly expressed his embarrassment at his involvement in the feud.
Keith has received numerous honors, one of which being Male Vocalist of the Year from the Academy of Country Music in 2001. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015 after winning Artist of the Decade at the 2011 American Country Awards. Keith was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2021.
Keith sold over 40 million albums and has 32 number one hits overall.
Other country music celebrities have showered him with honors after his passing.
"Saddle up the horses, Jesus, 'cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!" On Instagram, Carrie Underwood posted.
"For lovers of country music, today is a depressing day. In an Instagram post, Jason Aldean wrote, "Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all looked up to and respected." "You and your music will be forever remembered big man."
"Too many rides in my old man's car while listening to Toby Keith," Zach Bryan wrote on X. Very difficult to hear. Peace be with you, friend; you are loved."