On Feb. 5, 2024, Country music legend Toby Keith unfortunately passed away after a long and arduous battle against stomach cancer. The singer-actor was 62 years old. He had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2022, a fight that he had called quite “debilitating” (via Associated Press).
According to the statement published on Toby Keith’s website, he was surrounded by family and passed away peacefully on Monday night. Moreover, he fought “with grace and courage” against stomach cancer. The statement also requested everyone to respect his family’s privacy as they come to terms with the unfortunate loss.
Fans were left heartbroken upon hearing the news of his passing. Toby Keith had been receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for his cancer and had previously exclaimed that he was “comfortable with whatever happened” post-treatment (via BBC).
Toby Keith’s debut single “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” was a number-one hit, topping the country charts and becoming the most-played country song in the 1990s. Moreover, the country singer has played at major events for several US presidents, including George W Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.
Toby Keith had three kids
Toby Keith is survived by his long-time wife, Tricia Lucus, and their three children. He was a family man through and through, having exclaimed in an interview that “being at home with his wife, Tricia, and his three kids is the best feeling of all” (via People).
The couple tied the knot in 1984. Tricia Lucus had a daughter before meeting Keith, with the singer-actor adopting her after marriage. Shelley Covel Rowland was born in 1980.
Toby and Tricia went on to have two more kids: Krystal Keith and Stelen Keith Covel. Krystal followed in her father’s footsteps and is a country music artist. In contrast, Stelen is an entrepreneur with several businesses under his belt.
