Toby Keith remembered by country music community after 'larger-than-life' singer's death at 62

OKLAHOMA: The death of Toby Keith has left the country music community devastated. Keith was 62 when he breathed his last on February 5. He had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021, People reported.

Toby Keith’s family asks for privacy

A statement shared on his social media page read, “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage.”

“Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,” it added.

‘Toby Keith … An American icon’

Soon tributes began to pour in for the country music icon.

In the post's comment section, Randy Houser wrote, “God Bless you and family. Hard to imagine an America without Toby Keith in it.”

In a separate Instagram post, he sang a cover of Keith's ‘I Love This Bar,’ and shared, “@TobyKeith…An American icon. They do not make them like him every day in my opinion.”

“One of my favorites that he and @Scottyemerick wrote. It’s late at night or early in the morning but I wanted to sing one in his honor no matter what time it is. Rest In Peace. Job well done,” the 48-year-old singer added.

Carrie Underwood shared photos of herself with the ‘Should've Been a Cowboy’ singer and captioned them as “Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!! Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir!”

She noted, “We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!!” before asserting, “See you again someday, friend.”

Toby Keith was ‘larger than life’

Calling Keith’s passing “a sad day for Country music,” Jason Aldean said, “Toby was a huge presence in our business and someone we all looked up to and respected. You and your music will be forever remembered, big man.”

Music group Old Dominion remembered the music legend as “a true trailblazer,” before mentioning, “Authentic and heartfelt but always with a wink ‘til the end. He was larger than life in so many ways.”

It added, “Raising our red solos tonight—you will be missed by so many. Peace.”

Zach Bryan took to X to express his condolence as he wrote, “Too many rides in my old man’s car listening to Toby Keith. really hard thing to hear rest in peace friend we love you.”

James Otto posted about the time he shared with Keith in an online post.

He mentioned, “Completely heartbroken waking up to the news of Toby Keith passing. I thought he was on the mend. I was blessed to do the entire American Ride tour with Toby and Trace and will never forget the experience.”

The 50-year-old country music singer also wrote, “It’s hard to see any life cut short but there’s something incredibly startling about seeing someone like Toby taken so young. My sincere condolences go out to his family. #dontlettheoldmanin.”