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Country music icon Toby Keith has died at the age of 62 after a battle with stomach cancer. Born Toby Keith Covel on July 8, 1961, Keith broke into the country mainstream with his first single, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” taking it to No. 1 in 1993. All in, his songs spent 56 weeks at the top of the chart, tied for fifth all-time with Alan Jackson. Keith marked 30 years in the business last year.

In a poignant final interview in June of 2022, Toby opened up about his battle with stomach cancer with News on 6 in his home state of Oklahoma. Despite facing the challenges of a rollercoaster-like journey with cancer, Keith maintained a resilient spirit and found solace in his unwavering faith.

“Cancer’s a rollercoaster. You just sit here and wait on it to go away. It may not ever go away. And if it goes into remission, it’s still going to be in the back of your mind. You’re still going to have to do scans and stuff,” shared Keith.

When asked about his coping mechanism, Toby Keith offered a simple yet powerful response: “Faith. You have to have your faith.”

Keith, a staunch supporter of our military men and women, began his journey of touring with the USO in 2002, bringing joy to troops who sought a connection with their home country.

In recognition of Keith’s dedication, the USO surprised him with its Spirit of the USO Award in April 2014. 

The ‘American Soldier’ singer performed in Virginia Beach in July 2011, where he invited an injured marine on stage to sing a revamped version titled ‘American Warrior.’

Toby Keith’s impact on country music, the military community, and beyond will be remembered as an enduring legacy in the hearts of his fans and the industry.