After the news of Toby Keith’s death broke overnight, reactions from the stars of the country music world and beyond followed, as some legendary figures and admirers of the late Nashville star began to share tributes online.
Keith “passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5, surrounded by his family,” read his official website’s announcement of his death; he was 62. The news came two years after the singer posted about his stomach cancer diagnosis on his official Instagram page.
His Instagram page is where many are directing their reactions and condolences following the news. “God Bless you and Family,” singer Randy Houser commented. “Hard to imagine an America without Toby Keith in it.”
Actor Stephen Baldwin commented, “Wow this announcement has totally taken my breath away. I’ve been praying for Toby and it is truly wonderful to know he is finally home praise Jesus” and Georgia-based singer-songwriter Channing Wilson wrote, “Hate to hear this. You fought hard brother. Prayers for his family. RIPTK.”
Country group Old Dominion shared the frequent sentiment that Keith, whose country hits include “Who’s Your Daddy?,” “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,””Beer for My Horses” and “Made in America,” was a one-of-a-kind figure in the Nashville scene.
“Toby Keith was a true trailblazer. Authentic and heartfelt but always with a wink ‘til the end. He was larger than life in so many ways and his music will live on forever! Raising our red solos tonight — you will be missed by so many. Peace.”
Offline, Keith’s death has been a top story on the network and cable news morning shows. Kid Rock sang Keith’s praises on Fox and Friends this morning: “He was such an incredible talent, and he loved his family like he loved his country. And we should not forget what a fun guy he was.”
Politicians from the South and Midwest even chimed in on the legend’s death. Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn took time to honor Keith, calling him a “great American,” and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt wrote: “America lost a legend today. Toby Keith helped make Oklahoma the coolest place in the nation. His legacy will forever be in the hearts of Oklahomans and fans around the world — I know his spirit will live on. Sarah and I offer our condolences to Toby’s family.”
Elsewhere on X (formerly Twitter), John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich wrote of Keith’s huge personality — which certainly caught the media’s attention over his decades-long career, as he wasn’t one to mince words on American politics or shy away from a public feud.
“Waking up to the terrible news that our friend, and legend @tobykeith has passed away from cancer. He was a true Patriot, a first class singer/songwriter, and a bigger-than-life kind of guy. He will be greatly missed,” the country star wrote.
Sharing condolences on X, the account for country music’s TV network shared that “CMT is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of country legend Toby Keith. Our hearts go out to his wife, Tricia, his children, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Former first son Donald Trump, Jr. wrote on X, “Ugh. We lost a legend this week. R.I.P. Toby Keith.” While the country star was outspoken about politics and his love for America throughout his career, his political affiliations shifted over the years. In 2017, he performed at then-President Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
See the tributes as they come in, below: