Written by Natasha Anderson
17:16 07 February 2024, updated 18:16 07 February 2024
Toby Keith posted his last Instagram post just one day before his death from stomach cancer, signaling to fans that he wanted to resume performing.
On Sunday, the 62-year-old singer shared a video of himself addressing an enthusiastic crowd during what is believed to be one of his three sold-out shows at the Park MGM Hotel in Las Vegas last December.
“And this is the end of the weekend,” he captioned the clip. “Back at it.”
Keith's family announced the next day that he had died “peacefully” on Monday evening, surrounded by his family, having battled cancer “with grace and courage.”
He is survived by his wife Tricia Lucas and their three children, daughters Shelley Covell Rowland, fellow singer Crystal Keith and son Stellin. He also had four grandchildren. During his illustrious career, Keith sold more than 40 million records.
Keith played his final shows, in three stints in Las Vegas, in December 2023. Afterwards, he teased that he was planning a US tour, saying he was “lighting up the trucks and buses”.
Now, following his death, fans have commented on his recent Instagram post, saying those who attended his shows last year “had no idea how lucky they were to be there.”
“Sad this was his last show and no one knew,” one fan wrote.
'Rest in peace, cowboy. “You kept riding even when the ride was tough,” another said.
One heartbroken fan added: “Going forward like this, until the end: now that's the definition of a legend.” Toby, thank you for everything you have done for us over the decades. You gave us all 100% of your time.
Keith's mother Carolyn accompanied him on stage at Dolby Live at Park MGM Las Vegas on December 12, which was one of the singer's last set of shows.
In a video clip posted on TMZKeith was seen saying: “I want to introduce you to someone, this is my mum – she's the one who taught me how to sing.”
In the clip, Keith and his mother are seen hugging each other on stage, with Keith jokingly telling his mother to tell the concertgoers to “go to hell,” to the amusement of the audience.
“Should've Been a Cowboy Singer” was diagnosed for the first time in 2021. Earlier this month, the singer opened up about his stomach cancer Battle in an interview with 9News.
“I was going through all the chemo, radiation and surgery, and I got to the point where I felt okay with everything that had happened. I had my mind wrapped around it, and I was in a good place either way,” Keith said.
He stated in the interview that his Christian faith helped him in his battle with cancer. 'Cancer is a roller coaster. Just sit here and wait for it to go away, it may never go away.
Keith, a longtime resident of Norman, Oklahoma, also called his wife “the best nurse.”
“Oh, she was a soldier.” She is the best nurse. The first time we went to Houston, to the hospital, she jumped right in and took control and said, “We've got this. Let's go.” “So she said, 'We'll get this and don't worry about it,'” he added.
Fans, celebrities and fellow country music icons – including Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs and Jason Aldean – have paid an emotional tribute to the county singing legend in the wake of his death.
Carey shared touching snaps with the star and paid tribute to the “true blue cowboy.”
She wrote: “Saddle the horses Jesus, because the true blue cowboy just made his trip to heaven!!!” Underwood, who was born in Muskogee, WV, said
'Give it to all the Okies and sign this boy up for the choir!' We will miss you Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you stand in the presence of our King now!!! See you again someday, my friend.
Jason Aldean wrote: “Just woke up to the news of Toby Keith's passing. Today is a sad day for country music and its fans. Toby was a huge presence in our business and was someone we all looked up to and respected.
“We will remember you and your music forever, big man.”
“Damn, rest in peace Toby,” Luke Combs wrote. I can not believe that.
Jelly Roll, 39, took to Instagram to talk about Keith's impact on his career.
“Toby inspired millions and I was one of them,” he wrote on his Instagram page. “We covered that we should have been cowboys at every show last year.”
Randy Houser, best known for his hit single Anything Goes, shared footage of himself singing a cover of Keith's 2003 song, I Love This Bar, which he described as one of his “favorites.”
'@TobyKeith…an American icon. “They don't make them like him every day in my opinion,” Houser captioned his Instagram post. “It's late at night or early in the morning but I wanted to sing a song in his honor no matter what time it is. Rest in peace. Good job.”
He also commented under the tribute given by Keith's family. He wrote that “it's hard to imagine America without Toby Keith in it.”
William Michael Morgan said the least left her “confused” on Instagram.
“A real American.” A true national artist. I know he is waking up with our Lord now. She concluded by praying for his family.
Austin paid tribute to Burke on social media where he described how this loss truly “hurts.”
“Toby and Garth brought country music through my Arizona radio growing up, and they made me fall in love. Not only did we lose a country music legend, we lost an American hero. His love for America and his love for our great military is what I know he wants people to remember,” he wrote. “.
“I was absolutely devastated when I woke up to the news of Toby Keith's death,” he said. I thought he was improving. … It's hard to see any life cut short but there's something incredibly amazing about seeing someone like Toby taken so young. Sincere condolences to his family.
Singer-songwriter James Otto said he felt “blessed” to have known Keith and declared he would “never forget” his days working on his American Ride tour.
'I'm straight and I like to laugh. Damn, I enjoyed my twins with him. “Blessings to his family and friends,” Matthew McConaughey tweeted.
Keith has made a lasting impact on the country music industry with fans praising his “amazing talent” and his songs that brought “so much joy to so many people.”
Kristin Chenoweth also took to social media to respond to his death.
I loved him as a musician. “Great Oklahoman man,” she tweeted. “A great American.” What a loss!'
Stephen Baldwin wrote that this announcement took his “breath”.
I have been praying for Toby and it is really nice to know that he is finally home. “Thank God,” Hailey Bieber’s father wrote. “Rest in peace and love, Toby Keith.”
Mourners also praised him as a “true legend” and a “true American patriot” who loved veterans and showed “amazing support” for US troops.
“Lifelong beer expert. General travel enthusiast. Social media buff. Zombie maven. Communicator.”