Toby Keith, country singer-songwriter, dies at 62

The world of country music mourns the loss of a true legend as Toby Keith, one of the genre's most influential artists, passed away at the age of 62. With his distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics, Keith had an immeasurable impact on the country music scene throughout his illustrious career.

Born in Clinton, Oklahoma, Keith began his musical journey in the early 1990s. His debut single "Should've Been a Cowboy" quickly climbed the charts and established him as a rising star. From that moment on, he continued to produce hit after hit, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way.

In June 2022, Keith announced on X that he had been diagnosed in fall 2021 and had already received chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. 

Then last June, he told The Oklahoman newspaper of Oklahoma City that his tumor had shrunk by a third and that he was continuing chemotherapy. He also received immunotherapy, he said — medicine that helps the immune system destroy cancer cells.

His death has sparked renewed calls from doctors to pay attention to signs of stomach cancer, which include heartburn, acid reflux, anemia, nausea, ulcers, pain after eating, sudden weight loss or feeling full after eating small amounts.

Keith reportedly later said he was "embarrassed" by his role in the feud.

Among Keith's many accolades, the Academy of Country Music named him Male Vocalist of the Year in 2001. He was awarded Artist of the Decade at the American Country Awards in 2011, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2021, Keith also became a recipient of the National Medal of Arts.

In all, Keith had 32 number one singles and sold over 40 million albums.

His death has brought an outpouring of tributes from fellow country music stars.

"Saddle up the horses, Jesus, 'cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!" Carrie Underwood wrote on Instagram. "Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir!"

He was known for his overt patriotism on post 9/11 songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” and boisterous barroom tunes like “I Love This Bar” and “Red Solo Cup.” He had a powerful booming voice, a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor and range that carried love songs as well as drinking songs.

Doctors advise people to eat fruits and vegetables, limit alcohol and tobacco and take part in regular physical activity.

If you have a family history of stomach cancer, you can get genetic testing done.

If you are experiencing any of those symptoms that are out of the norm for your body, see a doctor. There are treatment options available.

“There has been incredible advances just in the last few years in treatments of metastatic stomach and gastroesophageal junction cancer, including a number of new immunotherapies and other new targeted therapies,” said Dr. Kunz.

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 Sarah H

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