Stars React to Toby Keith's Death: Jason Aldean, Luke Combs and More
Stars of Hollywood and Nashville are paying tribute to the late Toby Keith after his death at age 62.
The “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer died on Monday, February 5, after a battle with stomach cancer, his family announced on Tuesday, February 6. “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage,” a statement shared via social media reads. “Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Tricia Lucus, as well as their three children and four grandchildren.
Scroll down to see how country stars, athletes and more paid their respects to Keith following his death:
Jason Aldean
“Just waking up to the news of Toby Keith’s passing,” Aldean shared in a tribute via X on Tuesday. “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.”
Carrie Underwood
“Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!” Underwood said via X.”Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend.”
Old Dominion
“Toby Keith was a true trail blazer,” the band said in a statement shared via social media. “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.”Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!! Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend.
Cole Swindell
“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. 🙏,” the singer wrote via X.
Zach Bryan
“Too many rides in my old man’s car listening to Toby Keith,” Bryan recalled in an X post. “Really hard thing to hear. rest in peace friend we love you.”
Michael Vick
“RIP Toby Keith,” the former athlete said in an X post. “🙏🙏🙏 Legend for sure!”
Bobby Bones
“So sad to hear about Toby Keith dying. wow,” the radio host shared via X. “He was just with us in studio and seemed super positive. Ive had the honor of opening for him on his tour. playing with him at festivals. and having him, in studio many times.”
Kid Rock
“He was such an incredible talent, and he loved his family like he loved his country. And we should not forget what a fun guy he was,” singer-songwriter Kid Rock said during a Tuesday appearance on Fox and Friends.
Jim Ross
“My heart is heavy today upon hearing that my friend Toby Keith has left us. 🙏 I’m so sad,” the retired wrestler shared in an X post. “A true man’s man. Boomer Sooner Big T.”
Luke Combs
“Damn, RIP Toby. Can’t believe it,” Combs wrote via X.
John Rich
“Waking up to the terrible news that our friend, and legend @tobykeith has passed away from cancer,” Rich (of Big & Rich) wrote via social media. “He was a true Patriot, a first class singer/songwriter, and a bigger than life kind of guy. He will be greatly missed.”
Reba McEntire
The Reba alum praised her fellow Oklahoma native in an interview with KOCO 5, adding, “Toby worked very hard to make a mark in the country music business, and he did a great job doing that. … I hope he rests in peace. I was very honored to get to work with Toby and be a part of the era of country music he was in. We’ll sure miss him.”
Billy Ray Cyrus
Cyrus honored “the legend” in a statement to Billboard. “Heart breaking with thoughts and prayers for his fans and family this morning. We toured together several times around the globe. He was always the kindest … sweetest gentle giant of an outlaw one could ever hope to entertain and make music with,” he noted. “Raising a red cup this morning and saying a prayer. Heaven’s a honky-tonk tonight.”
Jelly Roll
The rising star noted via his Instagram Story that he covered Keith’s hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” at “every show” he played last year. “Toby inspired millions and I was one of them,” he added.
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Blake Shelton
Shelton shared a somber message via his Instagram Story, writing, “Even though I knew about your battle these last few months I still never imagined this day. Anyone who knew you knows what I mean. You were the toughest man I ever met. Thank you brother for being a friend, a hero and an inspiration. There will never be another Toby Keith.”
Dolly Parton
“It’s always hard when we lose our brothers and sisters in country music,” Parton wrote via social media. “Toby Keith was one of the greats in every way. He will be missed but his music and legacy will live on.”
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