By: Adam Beam 2/6/2024
Toby Keith, the country singer and songwriter known for songs like "Should've Been a Cowboy," has died at the age of 62.
In an official statement posted to social media by the singer's family, "Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family," the statement read. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2022 and described the process as a "roller coaster" when speaking with E! News.
Born on July 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma, Keith broke out onto the country scene in the 1990s. His self-named debut album featured one of his biggest songs, "Should've Been a Cowboy," which hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Keith released several other albums, but he made headlines with his 2002 album "Unleashed." The album featured the song "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," which was the singer's response to the September 11 Terrorist Attacks. The song was popular among the country community, however, it sparked a public feud between him and the Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks. Natalie Maines, the Chicks' lead singer, called Keith and the song "ignorant" as the band publicly spoke out against then President George W. Bush.
In 2011, the singer released the song "Red Solo Cup," which became one of the most popular tracks of his entire discography when it hit number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Keith is survived by Tricia Lucus, his wife of 40 years, their three children, and four grandchildren.
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