Performing meant everything to Toby Keith.
On Tuesday, the country singer’s family confirmed that he died at the age of 62 on Monday night after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021.
In the midst of Keith’s diagnosis, he made sure to continue performing and entertaining audiences until the end.
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In October, the musician confirmed that he will take the stage in December for two concerts at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas on December 10 and 11. He later announced that he will perform his third show in Vegas on December 14.
On Dec. 28, Keith called the sold-out concerts “a damn good way to end the year” on Instagram, sharing a montage clip from the performance.
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Toby Keith is gearing up for his December 2023 show in Las Vegas.
Toby Keith/Instagram
The country crooner also shared a thankful post on Dec. 31 that we’ll see in the New Year, writing, “It’s been one hell of a year with a lot to be thankful for. Here’s to 2024!”
In September, Keith — known for hits like “Red Solo Cup” and “Should Have Been a Cowboy” — performed his 2019 song “Don’t Let the Old Man In” at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards.
He attended the ceremony and gave 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.
“I bet you thought you’d never see me in skinny jeans,” Keith joked 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 while now.”
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During his speech, he thanked his family and team, insisting that “a lot of people go into creating a great career like this over 30 years.”
“Most of all I want to thank the fans for still allowing us to do what we do,” he added.
Prior to his appearance at PCCA 2023, Keith performed two pop-up shows at the historic Hollywood Corners Bar in Norman, Oklahoma on June 30th and July 1st.
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Toby Keith performs at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards.
Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty Images
The shows were his first since announcing his cancer diagnosis in June 2022, confirming at the time that he had already received six months of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
In November 2022, Keith insisted he planned to get back on the road.
“I need some time to rest and recover,” he said during an interview with CMT Hot 20 Countdown.
The singer-songwriter “passed peacefully” on Monday, his family confirmed in a statement.
They published on x (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday: “Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night February 5 surrounded by his family. He fought his battle with grace and courage.”
“Please respect his family’s privacy at this time,” the message concluded.
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