Toby Keith: Country music legend known for 'Red Solo Cup' and 'Should Have Been a Cowboy' dies at 62
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Country music icon Toby Keith who was known for his hits such as 'Red Solo Cup' and 'Should Have Been a Cowboy,' has breathed his last at the age of 62. The singer-songwriter and record producer “passed peacefully” on Monday night, February 5, his family shared in a statement posted on X. Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2022.
"Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5 surrounded by his family, the statement read, as per Fox News. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time," the message concluded.
Toby Keith previously described his cancer diagnosis as 'a roller coaster'
In September last year, Keith spoke about his cancer diagnosis while attending the People’s Choice Country Awards. The singer told E! News at the time that his cancer struggle is "a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days and, you know, you're up and down, up and down.”
“It's always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today," he said on the red carpet where he was joined by his wife of nearly 40 years, Tricia Lucus.
Toby Keith played his first official headlining show last year since cancer diagnosis
In December 2023, Keith played his first official headlining shows since he revealed his cancer diagnosis at Park MGM in Las Vegas.
"It’ll be my first two shows. They’re kind of rehab shows — get the band back in sync, get me rolling again," he said, adding "First time in my whole life I’ve been off over two years. I’ve never been off a year in my life."
"Through COVID and cancer, the old devil’s been after me a little bit," Keith continued. "I’ve got him by the horns right now, so instead of just sitting around and waiting, we’re gonna get the band back together," he continued.
Keith played for US presidents over the years which include George W Bush. Barack Obama and Donald Trump. In 2021 he was also awarded the National Medal of the Arts by Trump.
