'What a great patriot': Kid Rock pays tribute to late country star Toby Keith on 'Fox & Friends'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Bobby Richie, popularly known as Kid Rock, appeared on the February 6 episode of 'Fox & Friends' to remember his close friend and legendary country music star, Toby Keith, who passed away the previous day at the age of 62.

Calling him an "incredible talent," Rock shared how they used to perform for the US troops time and again, and felt that it was the "most rewarding" experience of their careers.

"He had so many great memories, such a talent. He's going to be missed," Rock told co-hosts Lawrence Jones, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, and Brian Kilmeade. "He was such an incredible talent and he loved his family like he loved his country. And we should also not forget what a fun guy he was."

"My heart goes out to his family, all his friends here in Nashville, all around the country, all around the world. But I'm especially thinking of his wife and his children right now," he continued.

The statement from Toby Keith's family

The news of the star's death was shared through a written statement uploaded by his family on social media.

It read, "Toby Keith passed away 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."

Keith had opened up about being diagnosed with stomach cancer back in June 2022. He is survived by his wife, Tricia, three children, and four grandchildren.

Patriotic at heart

American patriotism was a theme in many of Keith's songs, most popularly in 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),' released in 2002 after the 9/11 attacks.

He also went on 11 USO tours to visit and perform for the American troops overseas. The 2003 hit song 'American Soldier' showcased his support for the men and women in the US military.

Rock told the co-hosts, "We used to joke about who went over there more because me and him, definitely, you know, have tens, if not 20 times that we have been there, you know, spending Christmases, Thanksgivings, you know, just whenever we were called, we went to do it."

"Sometimes we called them and we went do it. And we had a lot of conversations about that, about how it was the most rewarding thing we've ever done in our careers, but it was also the most work. What a great patriot to just do that," he added.