Toby Keith Kept Playing to the End: Country Singer Performed His Final Shows Just 2 Months Ago
Keith's family released a statement confirming the musician had died at age 62 on Monday night
Performing meant everything to Toby Keith.
On Tuesday, the country singer's family confirmed that he died at age 62 on Monday night after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021.
Amid Keith's diagnosis, he made sure to keep performing and entertaining crowds until the end.
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In October, the musician confirmed he'd be taking the stage in December for two concerts at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas on Dec. 10 and 11. He later announced he'd be performing a third Vegas show on Dec. 14.
Keith took to Instagram on Dec. 28 to call the sold-out shows "a damn good way to end the year," sharing a montage clip from the performances.
The country crooner also shared a thankful post on Dec. 31 to see in the New Year, writing: "Been one hell of a year with a lot to be grateful for. Here's to 2024!"
In September, Keith — known for hits such as “Red Solo Cup” and “Should Have Been a Cowboy” — performed his 2019 track "Don't Let the Old Man In" at the 2023 People's Choice Country Awards.
He attended the ceremony and delivered a speech after receiving the inaugural Country Music Icon Award.
Blake Shelton presented Keith with the award, honoring him for his work as a musician, humanitarian and entrepreneur.
"Bet you thought you'd never see me in skinny jeans," Keith quipped while accepting the honor. "I want to thank the almighty for allowing me to be here tonight. You've been riding shotgun with me for a little while."
Related: Toby Keith Says Stomach Cancer Struggle Is a 'Little Bit of a Roller Coaster': 'You're Up and Down'
During his speech, he thanked his family and team, insisting "A lot of people go into making a big career like this of 30 years."
"Most of all I want to thank the fans for still allowing us to do what we do," he added.
Before his appearance at the 2023 PCCAs, Keith performed two pop-up shows at the historic Hollywood Corners bar in Norman, Oklahoma, on June 30 and July 1.
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The performances marked his first since he announced his cancer diagnosis in June 2022, confirming at the time that he'd already received six months of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
In Nov. 2022, Keith insisted he was planning on getting back on the road.
"I need a little bit of time to just rest up and heal up," he said during an interview with CMT Hot 20 Countdown.
The singer-songwriter "passed peacefully" on Monday, his family confirmed in a statement.
They posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday: "Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage."
"Please respect the privacy of his family at this time," the message concluded.
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