Toby Keith was ‘so much more’ than his ‘misunderstood’ and ‘incorrect’ public image, longtime friend says

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:  Toby Keith, the country music legend, who died of stomach cancer at 62, was remembered by his longtime friend and representative Elaine Schock as a brilliant, kind, and courageous man.

The representative said Toby was portrayed in a way that was not his correct image and that people misunderstood him.

Elaine Schock says Toby Keith 'was so much more’

Schock, who had known Keith for over two decades, told People that the singer was often unfairly portrayed by the media and the public.

She said he was “misunderstood” and that his image was “an incorrect portrait” of who he really was.

“I loved Toby Keith,” she said in a statement, adding “He was brilliant, fun to be with and we would have some robust discussions. Plus, he could write and sing his ass off.”

She further said, “Toby was kind. He was so much more. He was certainly one of the most courageous men I knew.”

Schock also expressed her grief over losing her friend, saying, “I’m not quite sure how to maneuver in a world without Toby yet. I hate the thought of it.”

Toby Keith’s family said he fought his fight with grace and courage

Toby Keith’s family announced his death on social media on Monday night,  February 5, saying that he “passed peacefully” surrounded by his loved ones.

They revealed that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021 and that he had battled the disease with dignity and strength. He announced it a year later in 2022.

“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5 surrounded by his family,” the statement read, adding “He fought his fight with grace and courage."

They also asked for privacy and respect during this difficult time, “Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”

Elaine Schock, said only that he died in Oklahoma, where he had lived his entire life. “Cancer is a roller coaster,” he said in a recent interview. “You just sit here and wait on it to go away — it may not ever go away,” he added.

Toby Keith was a seven-time Grammy nominee 

Keith was one of the most successful and influential country music artists of his generation with seven Grammy nominations. 

He produced hits such as 'Red Solo Cup', 'Should Have Been a Cowboy', and 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.'

He was also a humanitarian and an entrepreneur who supported various causes and charities such as the USO, the 'Toby Keith Foundation', and the 'OK Kids Korral.'

In September 2023, he received the inaugural Country Music Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards, presented by his friend and fellow singer Blake Shelton.

He gave a humorous and heartfelt speech, thanking God and his fans for their support. “Bet you thought you’d never see me in skinny jeans,” he joked while accepting the honor.

“I want to thank the almighty for allowing me to be here tonight. You’ve been riding shotgun with me for a little while,” he continued.

He also performed his 2019 song 'Don’t Let the Old Man In' which was his first televised after going public about his cancer battle, as per People.