Toby Keith's son writes emotional social media tribute to late father: 'Goodbye for now'

Jana Hayes, The Oklahoman
Updated ·1 min read
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Toby Keith's son, Stelen Keith Covel, made a heartfelt tribute on social media to his late father three days after his passing.

In the post, Covel called his father his "guiding star," "coach" and "hero."

Keith died Monday, Feb. 5, at the age of 62 after a multiyear battle with stomach cancer.

Toby Keith's son writes tribute to late father

Toby Keith performs during the Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert, benefiting victims of the May tornadoes, at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., Saturday, July 6, 2013. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
Toby Keith performs during the Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert, benefiting victims of the May tornadoes, at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., Saturday, July 6, 2013. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Keith was the "strongest man" his son ever knew, the post read, and "an embodiment of the American Spirit."

"You are a man whose strength, prowess, and talent could only be trumped by his ability to be a father and husband," Covel wrote. "Your impact is forever stamped on the world and on millions of people, yet not one person knew you the way I did. You were my biggest champion and the guiding light in my darkest times."

Covel said his father left him "strength and faith" that he will lean on after his death.

He added that all he ever wanted was to make his father proud, and he hopes to continue doing so.

"It’s not goodbye forever; it’s just goodbye for now," Covel said. "I love you cowboy."

More: Toby Keith's family announces private funeral service; public memorial to be announced soon

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Toby Keith's son Stelen writes tribute to late father; 'strongest man' he knew