Toby Keith Dies at 62 After Battle With Stomach Cancer

Country legend Toby Keith died on Feb. 5 after a three-year battle with stomach cancer. He was 62.

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The singer-songwriter, known for "Should've Been a Cowboy," "Courtesy of the Red White and Blue (The Angry American)" and more, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, according to a press statement.

"Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family," the statement read. "He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time."

Keith recently spoke about his cancer battle at the Peoples Choice Country Awards in September of 2023.

"I walked some dark hallways, Almighty is riding shotgun," Keith shared. But I feel pretty good... You have good days and bad days... it's a little bit of a roller coaster, but I'm doing a lot better than I was this time last year."

That same night, Keith performed "Don't Let the Old Man," which was inspired by Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood, and was presented with the Country Icon Award by Blake Shelton.

Toby Keith Covel was born in Clinton, Okla. and raised in Moore, Okla., near Oklahoma City.  An artist as gifted as a songwriter as he was as a performer, Keith rose to fame in the early '90s with his debut self-titled album, featuring the timeless "Should've Been a Cowboy," being released in 1993.

Keith would go on to release such hits as "He Ain't Worth Missing," "Wish I Didn't Know Now," "You Ain't Much Fun," "How Do You Like Me Now," "My List," "Beer for My Horses" (a duet with Willie Nelson) and more.

Keith released his most recent album 100% Songwriter in November.

Keith is survived by his wife Tricia Lucas and their three children, Shelly Covel Rowland, Krystal Keith and Stelen Keith.