His debut album titled simply “Toby Keith” was released in 1993, and wound up going platinum.
His father, Hubert “H.K.”
Covel Jr., was driving home from a barbecue when he got into a fatal car accident.
He was killed, his life ending at the age of 67.
Keith told the newspaper that his father had undergone quadruple bypass surgery two years earlier.
“He was only going 35 mph,” Keith said.
“He was too good a driver.”
In 2007, a jury determined that the company, Rodriguez Transportes, was responsible for Covel’s death.
One of those concerts was more memorable than others.
In March 2008, Keith and his band were performing on a base in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
“He went right to the verse he was in and finished his show!”
He lost his longtime friend to cancer
One of Toby Keith’s best friends was Wayman Tisdale.
In 2009, Tisdale died at age 44 following a two-year illness with cancer.
Keith responded by writing a song, “Cryin' for Me (Wayman’s Song).”
Instead, he performed Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.”
When he returned from the funeral, Keith recorded the song that he’d written for his fallen friend.
This is my tribute to my friend."
After a huge tornado struck, the entire town was demolished, destroying 300 homes and killing 25 people.
The extent of the damage was estimated at a staggering $2 billion.
“I rode my bike through those neighborhoods.
I have family and friends in Moore.
My heart and prayers go to those that have lost so much.
But Moore is strong, and we will persevere.
God be with you all.”
Keith responded by organizing a benefit concert to raise money for recovery efforts.
“It’s probably what a war zone looks like.”
The concert raised $1.5 million for the United Way of Central Oklahoma.
“He was a close friend for over 25 years, the band leader and bass player.
Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.”
Goff was reportedly killed in an accident when the car he was driving collided with another vehicle.
Keith also paid tribute to Goff in social media posts.
Floyd played banjo, fiddle, and electric guitar with Keith’s band.
“Rest in peace ol' friend.”
He and his wife Tricia Lucus had two children, daughter Krystal Keith and son Stelen Keith Covel.
He was also the stepfather of Shelley Covel Rowland, his wife’s daughter from a previous relationship.
“Hensley, Drew and I were on the way to watch fireworks on the 4th.
A drunk driver almost took the lives of my entire family.
We all survived the wreck but it’s gonna take some time to heal.
Keep us in your prayers.
Hug your babies and spouses tight.
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE,” she added.
“It’s been hell for us,” she said (viaTaste of Country).
“So far, so good,” he shared.
“I’m feeling pretty good.
… Basically, everything is in a real positive trend.
He also indicated that he was mulling over the possibility of returning to the stage at some point.
“But my goal is, I feel better; I’ve got more wind,” he explained.
The pop-up shows were intended to be secret, but word had gotten out.
“It’ll be my first two shows.
“I need a little time to just rest up and heal up.”
Those two shows grew to three and sold out within minutes.
Appearing on"The Bobby Bones Show,“he revealed that his singing had been impacted as well.
“The thing I’ve had to overcome is the surgery I had on my stomach.
Interviewed byTaste of Countryin November 2023, Keith was asked how he was feeling.
“I feel great today.
“If I live to be 100 or I don’t, I’m going to go forward.”
Toby Keith died on the evening of February 5, 2024, at the age of 62.
“He fought his fight with grace and courage,” the statement continued.
News, Keith offered a candid assessment of the physical toll stomach cancer had taken.
“It’s a little bit of a roller coaster,” he admitted.
“You get good days and, you know, you’re up and down, up and down.
It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today.”
Asked to single out the career achievement of which he was most proud, Keith didn’t hesitate.
“My songwriting,” he said.
