Country Singer Toby Keith Dead at 62

Toby Keith, a major country music star who sold tens of millions of records, has died at the age of 62.<br /><br />"[He] passed peacefully last night... surrounded by his family," a statement on his social media channels said.<br /><br />Keith rose to fame in the 1990s with songs such as Should've Been a Cowboy which topped the country music chart.<br /><br />He announced in June 2022 that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, an illness the star said was "debilitating".<br /><br />The statement said he "fought his fight with grace and dignity".<br /><br />Over a more than 30-year career, hits including Who's Your Daddy and Made in America were enjoyed by millions. He is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucus, and three children.<br /><br />Keith said he had been receiving chemotherapy, radiation and surgery for his cancer. He said he was "comfortable with whatever happened" with his illness.<br /><br />An Oklahoma native, he worked in oil fields and as a semi-professional American Football player before breaking out as a musician in the 1990s.<br /><br />His debut single Should've Been a Cowboy, released in 1993, became a number one hit. The song romanticises the cowboy lifestyle with reference to singing cowboys Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.<br /><br />Later albums included Blue Moon, Pull My Chain and Unleashed.<br /><br />'I write about lives I know' - Toby Keith to BBC<br />Keith's songs frequently made reference to patriotic themes, most controversially with the song Courtesy of the Red White and Blue (The Angry American), released shortly after the 9/11 attacks, which was criticised for what some perceived as chauvinistic lyrics.<br /><br />The song was criticised by fellow country artists the Dixie Chicks. The feud lasted several months before Keith announced there were "far more important things" to focus on.<br /><br />Over the years, he played at events for several US presidents, including George W Bush. Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Mr Trump awarded Keith a National Medal of the Arts in 2021.