'The best to do it': Toby Keith fans pay tribute as son posts last emotional photo with country star

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA: The country music world is mourning the loss of one of its most legendary stars. Toby Keith, the singer behind hits like 'Should’ve Been a Cowboy' and 'Red Solo Cup,' died on February 5 after a battle with stomach cancer.

Keith's death prompted an immense outpouring of tributes and remembrances from fans, especially on a recent Instagram photo that his son Stelen posted.

The emotional last image of Stelen posing with his superstar dad, who is grinning in a cowboy hat, has become a gathering place online for people to pay respects to the country icon, per Hello Magazine.

Toby Keith died at age 62 after three-year battle with stomach cancer

Keith, the beloved country music singer and songwriter, died on February 5 at age 62 after a long three-year battle with stomach cancer. His family announced that he died peacefully with loved ones by his side.

The news of Keith's death prompted an immense outpouring of grief and tributes from fans across the world. Many left comments on the last photo Toby's son Stelen posted with his father back in December 2023.

The photo shows a smiling Toby in a cowboy hat and monochrome outfit, posing with his arm around Stelen. "Rodeo king @tobykeith," Stelen captioned the emotional post.

Fans flood Toby Keith's son Stelen's Instagram post with sympathetic messages

The photo accumulated thousands of comments from saddened fans expressing their condolences to Stelen and the Keith family.

One Instagram user conveyed their sympathy, saying, "I hope this doesn’t offend you, but I truly am deeply saddened by the news that came overnight. Your Dad was loved by so many around the world. I feel like I’ve lost a family member. My sincere condolences to you and your family. This just hurts me to my core."

Another admirer paid tribute to Keith's musical legacy, emphasizing, "Your dad was the best to do it! His music was the foundation to so many people’s childhoods and that is something we all cling to in times like these. There will only be one Toby Keith."

Expressing empathy, a third user wrote, "My heart absolutely shatters for you and your family. I feel so blessed to have been able to see your Dad perform in Vegas."

Another fan shared their sorrow, stating, "He was absolutely glowing being there with his family. I am so sorry. My heart is broken. I sure love Toby and always will be thankful for his music getting me through the hardest parts of my life. Sending my love."

A fifth person reiterated, "Your dad was the best to do it! His music was the foundation to so many people’s childhoods, and that is something we all cling to in times like these. There will only be one Toby Keith."

In a touching reflection, a sixth user expressed their condolences, saying, "We are so very sorry for the loss of your father. He was an inspiration to me. He was a wonderful man, singer, songwriter, and person. My heart broke when I heard the news, and I wept, even though I've never met him."

Toby Keith leaves behind wife Tricia of nearly 40 years as well as their three children

Toby revealed his stomach cancer diagnosis in 2021 and had been undergoing treatment since then. However, he kept the severity of his illness private for much of the last two years.

In September 2023, Toby gave a brief update on his cancer battle while attending an awards show. "It's a little bit of a roller coaster," he told reporters. "You get good days, and you know, you're up and down."

But the country superstar never let on just how advanced his cancer was. The news of his death came as a shock to fans and the country music community alike.

Keith leaves behind his wife Tricia of nearly 40 years, as well as their three children — Krystal, Stelen, and Shelley. As mourners visit Stelen's social media to express sympathies, Keith's decades of hit songs and larger-than-life performances will live on for generations to come.

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