Country music star Toby Keith, renowned for chart-toppers like “Red Solo Cup” and “Should Have Been a Cowboy,” has tragically passed away at 62. In a statement on social media, Keith’s family announced his peaceful passing on Monday night. The singer-songwriter had been battling stomach cancer since the autumn of 2021. “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family,” the statement conveyed.

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young gave him a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram story by sharing the announcement from the singer with the caption, “Bless His Family.”

Born Toby Keith Covel on July 8, 1961, in Oklahoma, the musician was raised on a farm near Oklahoma City, as reported by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Before fully committing to a career in music, Keith, a lifelong enthusiast of country music, worked as a rodeo hand during high school and in the oil fields after graduation, all while performing in bars at night.

During his time playing with the band Easy Money, he met his future wife, Tricia Lucus. They tied the knot in 1984 after three years of courtship. Following their marriage, Keith adopted Lucus’ daughter, born in 1980, named Shelley Covel Rowland. Together, they welcomed two more children: daughter Krystal in 1985 and son Stelen in 1997.

Celebrating the legacy of Toby Keith

After a stint playing minor league football and performing on the honky-tonk circuit, the artist landed a solo record deal in the early 1990s. He achieved significant success with his chart-topping 1993 single “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which became the most-played song on country radio of the decade. His debut album, also titled “Toby Keith,” went platinum.

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Known for his honky-tonk and country-rock tunes celebrating the cowboy lifestyle and patriotism, the artist garnered a loyal fanbase and became one of the genre’s top acts. He received the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award five times at the ACM Awards and was honored with the Merle Haggard Spirit Award in 2021. His contributions to songwriting earned him induction into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021. As he passes on to the next world, may the legendary artist rest in peace.

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