The world lost music legend Toby Keith one year ago today.

The Oklahoma-born singer-songwriter “passed peacefully…surrounded by family,” on February 5, 2024. Keith died after a years-long battle with stomach cancer that he fought “with grace and courage.” He was 62. A statement shared on the late Country Music Hall of Fame member’s Instagram account on Wednesday morning (February 5) reads:

“We can’t believe it’s been a year since the world lost Toby. We have a hole in our heart and our lives. The love and support from the community that Toby created has left us all thankful and grateful. It has and continues to honor Toby. We know he would be proud of the legacy he left behind. Today we hope you will celebrate and listen to his music with us, where we know he is smiling down and raising his cup. A toast to a life well lived.”

Tributes quickly poured in for Keith when news broke of his death the morning of February 6, 2024. Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Brooks & Dunn, Old Dominion, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Alan Jackson, Luke Bryan and many others shared heartfelt tributes and performances in Keith’s honor. Keith related his debut record in 1993. The album included breakout single “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” and Keith went on to release “I Love This Bar,” “A Little Less Talk And A Lot More Action,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “God Love Her,” “As Good As I Once Was” and many other hits throughout his decades-long career.

Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia Covel, daughters Shelley Covel Rowland and Krystal Keith, son Stelen Keith Covel, and grandchildren. Keith’s wife spoke publicly for the first time when the “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” artist was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, alongside John Anderson and James Burton. The three inductees were honored during a Medallion Ceremony hosted in the museum’s CMA Theater in October 2024.

“Toby loved hard and he lived big. He enjoyed everything he did. He had no regrets through his life,” Covel said during the induction ceremony. “He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather — or Pop-Pop, to our grandkids — brother, friend, singer, producer, businessman. He was masterful at everything he did. ...Whatever he put his mind to, he excelled and he did the best he could do to be the best he could be.

“There’ll never be another Toby Keith.”

Tim Palmer

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