Reactions pour in from fellow musicians and fans of Toby Keith as they learn of his death at age 62

Associated Press
·4 min read
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(AP) — Fellow country artists and fans react to the death of singer-songwriter Toby Keith, who died Monday at 62.

“Just waking 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 someone we all looked up to and respected. You and your music will be forever remembered big man.” — Jason Aldean, on X, formerly Twitter.

Oklahoma country music legend Toby Keith dies at 62, flags at half-staff

“I loved him as a musician. A great Oklahoman. A great American. What a loss!” — Kristin Chenoweth, a fellow Oklahoman, on Instagram.

“God Bless you and Family. Hard to imagine an America without Toby Keith in it.” — Randy Houser on Instagram.

“Toby Keith was big, brash, and never bowed down or slowed down for anyone, His story is a distinctly American one — a former roughneck oil worker who carved out his own space in country music with a sinewy voice and an unbending will to succeed.” — Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, in a statement.

Norman Regional hospital staff honors Toby Keith featuring “Red Solo Cups”

“Absolutely heartbreaking. Not only a country music legend, but also an American hero. He will be remembered for what he did for our great military more than anything and I know that’s how he would want it. God bless Toby and his family.” — Austin Burke on Instagram.

“RIP Toby Keith — Tell folks you love them while you can. Life is short..the older I get, the more I realize how true it is.” — Cole Swindell, via X.

“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.” — Old Dominion via X.

“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.” — John Rich of Big & Rich on X.

“Toby has been a great talent and image in the music business and will be respected and remembered forever.” — Janie Fricke, in a statement.

“Toby was a true American success story and never forgot what America stands for. He was an icon. God bless his family at this sorrowful time. R.I.P.” — T. Graham Brown, in a statement.

“I have always enjoyed Toby Keith’s music throughout the years. He’s always been a patriot with his continued support for our military. This one hits hard for sure!” — Johnny Lee, in a statement.

“It’s always hard when we lose our brothers and sisters in country music. Toby Keith was on of the greats in every way. He will be missed but his music and legacy will live on,” Love, Dolly
Dolly Parton posted this message on social media.  

Toby Keith was a huge OU Sooner fan. OU Athletics released this statement on Social Media.

“The OU Athletics family is incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Toby Keith. It’s a profoundly sad reality to exist in a world where Toby doesn’t. He brought life and joy to every room he entered, and our hearts are dimmer today without him. An American icon and a stalwart Sooner. A superstar talent and a fierce friend of our program. We thank him for the unwavering support he always gave, his generosity as a human being and the countless smiles and memories he created here in Oklahoma and around the world.

All our love to Tricia, Shelley, Krystal, Stelen and their families. We’ll miss you on campus, TK. We’re crying for us.”

OU athletics

“Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ’cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!” Carrie Underwood on social media.

“Toby worked very hard to make a mark in the country music business and did a great job doing that. I am very proud of him, and I hope he rests in peace.” – Reba McEntire on social media.

“Toby Keith was a homegrown music legend whose love of America and Oklahoma was ever-present. He never failed to show up for our military, embarking on multiple USO tours for our troops. In fact, after a visit to Iraq, where he came under fire at a forward operating base, the House of Representatives passed a resolution commending him for his courage and support of our men and women in uniform. Not surprisingly, he continued performing during the attack,” said Cong. Tom Cole (OK-04) . “He brought that same vigor to our community. Toby actually grew up a few blocks from where my grandmother lived in the Southgate neighborhood of Moore. He never forgot his hometown. After every tornado or local disaster, he was always there to help with a concert and generous donations to local charities. His name is on a local water tower for a reason. Toby Keith loved Moore, Oklahoma—and its citizens loved him right back. He’ll be sorely missed, but his words will live on through every song played. I know those ballads will be loud at home. Please join me in lifting the Keith family in prayer.”

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