Toby Keith Dies and How Faith Carried Him in His Bout with Cancer

Country music singer Toby Keith has died at age 62. "Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage," according to a statement on his website.

The "Shock'n Y'all" and "Red Solo Cup" singer had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and started treatments in fall 2021. He had surgery and received chemotherapy and radiation in the course of his cancer battle.

In an interview that aired Jan. 24, Keith described his cancer ordeal to local Oklahoma City CBS affiliate KWTV-DT as "a lot of dark hallways." When asked how he maneuvers through those "dark hallways," he answered: "Faith."

"You have to have your faith," he said. "Thank God that I got it, too." 

"You take it for granted on the days that things are good, and you lean on it when days are bad," Keith added. "It has taught me to lean on a little more every day." In response to whether he experienced "a peace that passes all understanding," Keith said, "Oh, yeah." 

"Cancer is a roller coaster," he also said. "You just sit here and wait on it to go away. It might never go away."

The Oak Ridge Boys write, "Toby Keith has gone home. This is very sad news. We loved and respected him on every level and whispered many a prayer for him as he fought this illness. God must have needed a big-hearted Oklahoma singing boy for the great choir. Well, he got one. RIP Toby Keith." 

Ricky Skaggs adds, "I was saddened to hear of Toby Keith's passing. He really was one of the good guys. He helped a lot of people get started in the business. He loved God, he loved his family, and he was a true Patriot-he loved America. A friend to so many, including myself! Rest dear brother, you're home at last!" 

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