(RightWing.org) – Country music legend Toby Keith recently passed away at 62 after a bout with cancer. His website and social media accounts recently posted a brief statement announcing the death of the iconic singer, songwriter, music producer, and actor. The notice said he “passed peacefully” the night of February 5, surrounded by family members.
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 6, 2024
In June 2022, Keith announced that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer “last fall.” He said he had spent the previous six months receiving radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and an unspecified surgical procedure. “So far, so good,” he wrote.
However, Keith explained that he needed to take time away from his career to “recover and relax.” He said he was eager to spend time with his family and vowed to see his fans soon, adding, “I can’t wait.”
Keith released 26 albums over his 30+ years in the music industry, including five compilations, two Christmas collections, and 19 studio recordings. Several of his works went platinum, and he sold more than 40 million albums globally.
The legendary musician received several awards and accolades, including 12 from the Academy of Country Music, three from the Country Music Association, three American Music Awards, and seven Grammy nominations.
Keith referred to himself as a “conservative Democrat.” Yet, he endorsed former President George W. Bush during his successful 2004 reelection bid. Four years later, he left the Democratic Party after deciding it no longer represented his core values. He told Country Music Television that the party “lost any sensibility” it once had and started allowing “all the kooks” into its ranks.
In January 2017, Keith performed at Donald Trump’s pre-inaugural concert at the base of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Four years later, then-President Trump awarded him the National Medal of Arts and Humanities Medal for his “extraordinary contributions to American music.”
Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucus; son, Stelen Keith Covel; and two daughters, musician Krystal Keith and Shelley Covel Rowland.
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