Toby Keith’s daughter Krystal pays tribute to dad on first death anniversary: 'Longest year without him'

CLINTON, OKLAHOMA: Toby Keith wasn’t just a country music legend—he was a husband, a father, a mentor, and a man who lived life unapologetically on his own terms.

Now, a year after his death on 5 February 2024, Toby's family, especially his daughter Krystal and son Stelen have reflected on life without their fearless leader—and the void he left behind.

A father-daughter bond like no other

If there was one person who understood Toby’s love for music, it was his daughter, Krystal Keith. The father-daughter duo shared an unbreakable bond, both on and off the stage.

Following her father’s footsteps, Krystal has continued his musical legacy, delivering soul-stirring performances that honor his memory—including a moving rendition of 'Don’t Let The Old Man In' at the 'Toby Keith: American Icon' tribute concert.

On his death anniversary, she took to social media to reflect on the past year without him, and her words are nothing short of heartbreaking.

“It feels like yesterday we said goodbye and yet it somehow has also been the longest year without him," she captioned the post. "I can’t help but find gratitude in all the time we had because we did all of life as a family unit. It’s hard to find a candid picture where he doesn’t have one of our babies in his arms. He was their favorite, and they were his."

"Our littles miss their buddy big time but we all know we will see him again someday. Until then, he will watch over us and walk beside us. Every sunset (and he LOOOOVED his sunsets) is a reminder that he wants us to live our best life and do good in the world. So that’s exactly what we will do,” she added.

With her post, Krystal shared a series of cherished family photos—Toby as a doting father, a proud grandfather, always surrounded by love.

His daughter wasn't the only one to express the loss and void since he died at 62 following a stomach cancer diagnosis.

A son’s tribute to his hero

Toby’s son, Stelen Keith Covel, also poured his heart out in an emotional message, capturing the love of the man who raised him.

In his recent post, he wrote: "A whole year without my hero. Here’s to one day having more of these nights. Love you dad."

His son also took to Instagram on February 8, 2024, shortly after his death, writing, “You are the strongest man I have ever known. A fighter. A true titan of your industry. My guiding star. My coach. My hero. An embodiment of the American Spirit. You are a man whose strength, prowess, and talent could only be trumped by his ability to be a father and husband."

"Your impact is forever stamped on the world and on millions of people, yet not one person knew you the way I did. You were my biggest champion and the guiding light in my darkest times. The best mentor a man could ask for."

"You held a passion that was greater than mountains and it radiates through every lyric and chord. In the everlasting echo from the legacy of your music, you leave me strength and faith to lean on in the silence that follows. You truly did it your way, from the starting gates to the finish line, and never apologized for it."

"The only thing I truly ever wanted in life was to make you proud. I promise I will continue to make you proud. It’s not goodbye forever; it’s just goodbye for now. I love you cowboy.”

Reportedly, even in the spotlight, Keith made it clear that fame never defined him at home.

“Everybody in the family is good. I was raised by good parents and I have great kids. They don’t have any issues at all — none. They all grew up with me being successful, but they are not hooked on that part of the business,” he once shared with People magazine.