Toby Keith was a country music superstar who left behind a legacy of hit songs, patriotic anthems, and outspoken opinions. He passed away on February 5, 2024, after a brave fight with stomach cancer.
He was born on July 8, 1961, in a small town in Oklahoma, where he learned to love music, football, and hard work. He worked as an oil field worker and a semi-pro football player before he got his big break in the music industry in 1993. He went on to release 19 albums, sell over 40 million records, and top the charts with 20 number one singles. He also starred in two movies, founded his own record label, and received the National Medal of Arts in 2021.
He was known for his catchy and humorous songs, such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”, “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, and “I Love This Bar”, as well as his controversial and patriotic songs, such as “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and “Beer for My Horses”. He was not afraid to speak his mind on politics and the music industry, and he often clashed with critics and fellow artists.
He was a proud Oklahoman and a devoted family man, married to Tricia Lucus since 1984 and father of three children, Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen. He was loved by millions of fans and respected by his peers in the country music community. He was a legend in the genre and a true American icon. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and fans.
Interestimg facts about Toby Keith
– He established his own record company, Show Dog Nashville, in 2005¹, after leaving his previous label over creative differences².
– He met his wife, Tricia, in 1979 at a club where his band, Easy Money, was performing; they dated for three years before marrying¹. He credits her for supporting him through his early struggles and keeping him grounded throughout his fame³.
– He graduated from Moore High School and worked as a derrick hand in the oil fields¹. He also played defensive end for the Oklahoma Sooners football team, but dropped out before playing a game².
– One of his biggest hits, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)”, was written in 20 minutes as a tribute to his father, who died in a car accident in 2001⁴. The song sparked controversy for its lyrics, which criticized the terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks and expressed support for the U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq.
– He frequently performed for military personnel stationed overseas and visited troops in combat zones¹. He also founded the Toby Keith Foundation, which supports children with cancer and their families.
– He was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 2021 by President Donald Trump, who praised him for his “uncompromising support of America and its values”. He was one of the few celebrities who agreed to perform at Trump’s inauguration in 2017
He was a fan of golf and often participated in charity tournaments. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, and owned a ranch in Oklahoma where he raised cattle and horses.
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