Toby Keith tributes: Stars remember country legend after stomach cancer battle

Toby Keith’s song “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” peaked at No 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart upon its release in 2002, and continues to enjoy huge success today.

However, it was also the subject of negative reactions from his country music peers, including the legendary singer-songwriter Steve Earle, who accused the song of “pandering to people’s worst instincts at a time they are hurt and scared.”

The Chicks singer Natalie Maines branded it “ignorant”.

In response, Keith (already incensed by Maines’ infamous remark about how the band were ashamed of then-President George W Bush over the imminent invasion of Iraq) performed in front of a doctored photo of her with Saddam Hussein.

Maines then wore a homemade T-shirt reading “FUTK” on stage at the 2003 ACM Awards. While the band insisted at the time that it stood for, “Friends United Together in Kindness”, most believed that it was an acronym for: “F*** You Toby Keith.”

Maines later admitted this was the case in the band’s 2006 documentary, Shut Up & Sing.

Keith reportedly said he was later “embarrassed” by his part in the spat.

Appearing on Fox News, Tomi Lahren paid tribute to Keith from Nashville, where she said it “hit a little different”.

“Such a big part of this town, such a big part of country music – he was actually the first concert I ever attended,” she said.

She praised his “patriotic” anthems that offered a “cathartic release” and said he was “a wonderful talent to have lost”.

Keith had just played a live show and posted about it on his Instagram page:

Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021, and shared the news with the public a year later.

In June 2022, he tweeted: “Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last six months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.”

He added that he was looking forward to “spending time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”

He had recently played live at the 2023 People’s Choice Awards, in September, when he received the Country Icon Award.

He spoke about his diagnosis during the ceremony, telling Extra TV: “I’ve walked some dark hallways, [but] the Almighty’s riding shotgun. I feel pretty good. You have good days and bad days.”

Keith is survived by Tricia Lucus, his wife of 40 years, their three children and four grandchildren.

She told People in 2001 that they met in a bar: “I was 19 and he was 20. He was just one of those larger-than-life guys, full of confidence,” she said.

The couple dated for three years before deciding to get married.

They shared three children together, daughters Shelly Covel Rowland (born in 1980 and adopted by Keith when he married Lucas), and Krystal LaDawn Covel Sandubrae (also a country singer), and son Stelen Keith Covel. Keith also had four grandchildren.

He shared a photo of him and the family together at Christmas last year:

Keith was knowing for wearing his politics on his sleeve, particularly after 9/11. Previously describing himself as a conservative Democrat, he later claimed to be an independent, playing at events for US presidents George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

Written after the death of his father, HK Kovel, in a car crash, and in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” is distinctly pro-American and issues a threat to anyone who tries to mess with it.

Melodically similar to “American Pie” by Don McLean”, the song included the lyrics: “Justice will be served and the battle will rage/ This big dog will fight when you rattle his cage/ And you’ll be sorry that you messed with/ The US of A/ ‘Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass/ It’s the American way.”

“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,” a statement posted to Keith’s website and social media said.