Legendary country musician Dolly Parton has paid tribute to her fellow composer, Toby Keith, who passed away early this week.
Toby reportedly died of stomach cancer on February 5, 2024. The singer announced his cancer diagnosis in 2022. His family, in a statement announcing his passing, said, “He fought his fight with grace and courage.”
Dolly Paton, mourning the singer and actor, said he will be missed, but his music and legacy will live on.
“It’s always hard when we lose our brothers and sisters in country music. Toby Keith was the greatest in everyway. He will be missed but his music and legacy will leave on, she wrote in a X (Twitter) post on Tuesday.”
Reports indicate that Keith who was popular in the 1990s and loved for his songs, occasionally clashed with other celebrities, journalists, and people who wanted to “smooth his rough edges.”
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Apart from his 1993 song Should’ve Been a Cowboy, the 62-year-old is also known for Billboard hits like: How Do You Like Me Now? ” As Good As I Once Was, My List, “Beer for My Horses,” and others.
He is said to have had more than 60 singles on the Hot Country chart throughout his career. Keith is also said to have performed throughout the cancer treatments, appearing at a recent show in Las Vegas in December.
He also performed at the People’s Choice Country Awards in 2023 and sung his song Don’t Let the Old Man In. Other country music lovers and musicians including, Carrie Underwood also paid tribute to Keith.
“This is such sad news…he was an awesome singer. Sending prayers to his family and friends. God just gained another angel. His music and legacy will live on forever,” a fan wrote. “Toby was an American Soldier in so many ways, RIP, my brother, another added.
Carrie Underwood wrote: “…a true blue cowboy just made his ride up to heaven! [Jesus] Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir!
“We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart does not doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend,” she wrote.