Toby Keith, an icon in the world of Country Music, sadly passed away aged 62, and footage of his final ever performance of 'Should've Been A Cowboy' reminds us of what a generational talent he was.
Confirmation of his death came through a heartfelt statement posted on his official Facebook page. The statement, shared by his family, revealed that Keith departed on Monday night (February 5), surrounded by his loved ones.
"He fought his fight with grace and courage," the statement expressed, encapsulating Keith's unwavering determination throughout his health struggle.
Keith publicly disclosed his battle with stomach cancer in June 2022, revealing that he had received the distressing diagnosis the previous autumn. Throughout his fight against the disease, he underwent a comprehensive treatment regimen, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Despite focusing on his health in recent years, Keith, who last toured in 2021, made a triumphant return to the stage in December 2023 with three special shows at the Park MGM in Las Vegas. Admirers from far and wide flocked to witness the performances, with the final show taking place on December 14th.
Although visibly weakened, Keith's spirits remained high throughout the night, and his voice resonated with strength. The setlist was a blend of chart-toppers and beloved classics, with the artist even taking impromptu song requests from the audience.
As the evening drew to a close, Keith delivered a poignant rendition of his 1993 debut single, 'Should’ve Been a Cowboy'.
The song, which catapulted him to stardom, resonated deeply as he sang the lyrics, reflecting on his journey from a young, ambitious talent to a seasoned veteran facing mortality and contemplating his legacy.
Watch Keith's final performance below:Subsequent albums in Keith's discography include titles like 'Blue Moon', 'Pull My Chain', and 'Unleashed'. His music often carried patriotic themes, with his 2002 release 'Courtesy of the Red White and Blue (The Angry American)' sparking controversy due to perceived chauvinistic lyrics, though he defended it as an expression of patriotism following the 9/11 attacks.
His illustrious career spanned three decades, during which he released 24 studio and compilation albums, along with two Christmas records, accumulating a staggering $40 million in global sales.
His contributions to country music yielded an impressive 61 tracks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, with 20 of them reaching the coveted number-one position, and 22 others securing spots in the top ten.
In September of the previous year, Keith was honored with the Country Music Icon Award at the People's Choice Country Awards 2023. During his acceptance speech, he injected humor into his poignant battle with cancer and significant weight loss, saying: "Bet you thought you'd never see me in skinny jeans."
Our thoughts are with Keith's family, friends, and fans at this time.
