The singer-songwriter Toby Keith passed away. He was the two-time winner of the Academy of Country Music’s entertainer of the year title. He was sixty-two.
Keith, a country artist, passed away quietly on Monday, surrounded by his loved ones, according to a statement on his website. Keith had stomach cancer.
The statement continued, “He fought his fight with grace and courage.” In 2022, a diagnosis was made.
The 6’4″ singer, who can be divisive at times in the country music industry, rose to fame during the 1990s’ golden years for the genre by establishing a persona around his macho, pro-American swagger and penning hit songs.
Throughout his career, he engaged in public conflicts with journalists and other celebrities. He also frequently resisted record executives’ attempts to soften his edges. His obvious patriotism was evident in songs written after 9/11, such as Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue, and in upbeat bar songs like I Love This Bar and Red Solo Cup.
He possessed a strong, booming voice, a lighthearted sense of humor, and a range that could accommodate both love ballads and drinking songs. How Do You Like Me Now?!, Should’ve Been a Cowboy, As Good As I Once Was, My List, and Beer for My Horses, a duet with Willie Nelson, were among his 20 No. 1 Billboard country successes.
In 2001, after his hit song I’m Just Talking About Tonight became popular, Keith told The Associated Press, “I write about life, and I sing about life, and I don’t overanalyze things.”