Singer-songwriter and avid sports fan Toby Keith has died. He was 62.
Keith, who was battling stomach cancer, died “peacefully” on Monday surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer’s website. “He fought his fight with grace and courage,” the statement said. He was diagnosed in 2021.
Keith revealed his diagnosis in a June 2022 Instagram post, noting he “spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery.”
His breakout music career included his overt patriotism on post-9/11 songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” and boisterous barroom tunes like “I Love This Bar” and “Red Solo Cup.” He had a powerful booming voice, a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor and range that carried love songs as well as drinking songs.
Among his 20 No. 1 Billboard hits were “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List” and “Beer for My Horses,” a duet with Willie Nelson.
In addition to his talent with a guitar and microphone, Keith was an avid sports fan and golfer. He and legendary coach Barry Switzer own the private Belmar Golf Club in Norman, Oklahoma, near Keith’s home.
We are gutted to hear the passing of #TobyKeith. He was a true Patriot! I’ll always remember him joining our @SolheimCupEuro after party in 2017. He was very supportive of @ANNIKA59. We lost a great one who loved his family, golf, football and his country. RIP ❤️🙏 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/K4vzJOSKyp
— Mike McGee (@MikeMcGeeAnnika) February 6, 2024
During his career, Keith had spent numerous occasions playing in pro-ams and spending time with the best golfers in the world. He also hosted an annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic to raise money for local charities, oftentimes raising more than $1 million per event.
He hosted the Schooner Fall Classic at Belmar every September, a women’s Division I college golf tournament. The trophy? A signed guitar.
Beloved in the golf world.
Rest in Peace, Toby Keith. pic.twitter.com/UgqP2Nxr9R
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 6, 2024
Then there’s Keith’s 2017 song, “S—-y Golfer,” which if you haven’t listened to it, take a couple minutes to do so as it encapsulates golf in a funny and comedic way.
Here’s a look at photos of Keith throughout the years in the golf world.
