Toby Keith
July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024

Today, Keith’s musical friends and colleagues released the following statements:

“I was saddened to hear of Toby Keith’s passing. He really was one of the good guys. He helped a lot of people get started in the business. He loved God, he loved his family, and he was a true Patriot. He loved America. A friend to so many, including myself! Rest dear brother, you’re home at last!” –Ricky Skaggs

“Toby did as much good off-stage as he did on it. I got to be a part of his OK Kids Korral a few years back, and we sang a few together to benefit those kids. A good man with a huge legacy that stands as tall as him.” -John Anderson

“You would have rather heard how Toby Keith beat cancer this morning as the broadcasts carry the news of his passing. What I knew was that he was a patriot and expressed it in his music and conversation. His love for our country. The realization of his mortality. His decision to trust and follow Christ made him more than a cowboy last night. Condolences to Tricia and his family. RIP, TK.” -Marty Raybon / Shenandoah

“Toby has been an amazing friend with sound advice in some key moments in my life. This loss cuts deep but I’m so encouraged at the true faith that Toby has displayed and carries with him. I will continue to pray for his family, and there is no doubt that he is now in the peace that passes all understanding. You left this world a great gift in your songs!

Rest high my brother and thank you!”
-Tim Rushlow / The Frontmen / Former lead singer of Little Texas

“Sometimes we use the word ‘friend’ when we really mean acquaintance. Toby Keith was my friend, and all I know is this. My friend Toby does not have cancer in Heaven this morning.
As we’d say in OKLAHOMA and TEXAS, he was a good sumbich. That’s about the highest praise a TEXAN can give to someone. REST IN PEACE, COWBOY.” -Larry Gatlin

“Toby Keith was his own man. He set a great example for all of us in life and in death. He had one shot at this, just like we all do, and he did it his way. I paid attention to his life and his career. He had a swagger that was a little different than most because he knew who he was. In life we have a chance to leave a mark that will not fade and he knocked it out of the park. In death we have a chance to exit this awful, beautiful life with grace and dignity. Toby just hit another grand slam and we could learn from this example. Sometimes it’s not about the elaborate production because sometimes the production is simply the actions of the man. God Bless you and your family and thank you for showing us all how it’s done.” –Darryl Worley

“Toby did it ‘The Cowboy Way’ with courage and dignity and his work will live on. Old Cowboys Never Die, they just ride away.” -Billy Dean

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of the great Toby Keith. What an amazing talent. We lost another Real Cowboy! Gone too soon but we know where he is. Ride in Peace, TK.” -Doug Gray / The Marshall Tucker Band

“I’m so sorry to hear of Toby’s passing. He was a great singer, and his songwriting talent was enormous. My condolences to his family.” -Henry Paul / BlackHawk & The Outlaws

“We’ve lost a great one. Toby was an amazing talent and man. Sending prayers to his family and friends.” -Aaron Tippin

“What a huge loss for the family of country music. I, like so many, loved Toby and his great songs! I was honored and proud to call him my friend. He was so much fun, always a gentleman and such a beautiful soul. Til we see you again, Rest in Heavenly Peace, Toby.”-Deborah Allen

More country music stars are remembering Toby Keith following the news of his passing. Keith died yesterday, Monday, February 5, following a lengthy battle with stomach cancer. He was 62.

“Toby was a real friend. I looked forward to visiting with him every time we talked together. A true superstar who was down to earth. His last email to Kelly and I broke our hearts. I loved Toby. I will miss his larger than life personality. To his family I send my prayers for comfort in this loss of my friend.” -Randy Owen / ALABAMA

“Very few artists have the trifecta of excellent songwriter, excellent singer and a big heart for other people. Toby had all three. He also is one of the great American heroes that I have, personally.” -Teddy Gentry / ALABAMA

“I woke up this morning and heard the bad news. Our Country Music Family has lost a monster singer, songwriter, entertainer and a true American Patriot in TOBY KEITH! I loved him as a friend and will miss him greatly! Rest in Peace, Toby.” -Ronnie Milsap

“Toby Keith wasn’t only an amazing singer-songwriter, a pioneer of truth-telling and a legend in his own right, but he was also a lover of God and Country. And above all, a Patriot. God bless Toby Keith and his family. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family and millions of fans around the world.” -Aaron Lewis

“My heart is deeply saddened today at the news of my friend Toby Keith’s passing. Toby was a good man, a kind man and a wonderful artist and songwriter. Toby stood for good things. He has now left his physical suffering behind and has passed on to The Heavenly Realm. He will be very missed here. May God be with you, brother.” -Collin Raye

“Toby was an amazing singer-songwriter. We got started together around the same time when we were labelmates at Mercury Records. I’m glad to see the outpouring of love for a great guy. And man, did he love my Hot Chicken! He was blessed and now God is blessing him again.” -Sammy Kershaw

“I met Toby for the first time when Mercury Records president Harold Shedd asked me to attend a showcase for Toby and two other acts he had just signed to the label. Toby had a great sense of humor and through the years would show up at our shows out of the blue and jump on-stage with us to sing ‘Dumas Walker!’ He just loved to surprise people and have fun. I especially remember one time in New York City, which was about as far from Oklahoma and Kentucky as you can get, we were playing the Lone Star Roadhouse. And out nowhere, here comes Toby out of the audience and jumped on-stage! I always loved the fact that he was a country act but was not afraid to add a horn section to his songs and live show. He broke a few rules but made certain things were OK for those who came after him.” -Richard Young / The Kentucky Headhunters

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Toby Keith July 8, 1961 - February 5, 2024 Today, Keith's musical friends and colleagues released the following statements: “I was saddened to hear of Toby Keith’s passing. He really was one of the good guys. He helped a lot of people get started in the business. He loved God, he loved...