Country stars, such as Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs and Zach Bryan , and other celebrities are taking to social media to tribute Toby Keith after news of his passing on Tuesday morning.
Keith —the longtime country singer-songwriter with a knack for powerful and patriotic tunes — passed away on Monday night (Feb. 5) after a three-year battle with stomach cancer. He was 62.
A statement was released apprising the public of the news.
"Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family," the statement reads. "He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time."
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 6, 2024
Immediately, artists and celebrities began to express their grief and share their appreciation for Keith via social media. Here are a few reactions from country stars and celebrities.
Carrie Underwood
Fellow Oklahoman Underwood shared a group of photos — two from the 2022 BMI Awards (where Keith was honored with the BMI Icon Award) and one from years ago.
"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!" she writes. "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."
Jason Aldean
"Just waking up to the news of Toby Keith's passing. 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."
Just waking up to the news of Toby Keith’s passing. 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. pic.twitter.com/M2RwMUFdKx
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) February 6, 2024
The Oak Ridge Boys
"Toby Keith has gone home ... This is very sad news ... We loved and respected him on every level and whispered many a prayer for him as he fought this illness. God must have needed a big hearted Oklahoma singing boy for the great choir. Well, he got one."
Toby Keith has gone home … This is very sad news … We loved and respected him on every level and whispered many a prayer for him as he fought this illness. God must have needed a big hearted Oklahoma singing boy for the great choir. Well, he got one #RIPTobyKeith pic.twitter.com/cBjybvnxwP
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) February 6, 2024
Luke Combs
"Damn, RIP Toby. Can't believe it."
Damn, RIP Toby. Can’t believe it.
— Luke Combs ? (@lukecombs) February 6, 2024
Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry
"I still just don't want to believe it ... we had a lot of fun together on tour .. and when Toby would come to T-Roy's dad's bar the grapevine .. brother u we're a very special person and hell of a musician!!! Love u daddy rest in peace!!!"
I still just don’t want to believe it … we had a lot of fun together on tour .. and when Toby would come to T-Roy’s dad’s bar the grapevine .. brother u we’re a very special person and hell of a musician!!! Love u daddy rest in peace!!!
— Eddie Montgomery (@LuckymanEddie) February 6, 2024
Old Dominion
"Toby Keith was a true trail blazer. 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."
Toby Keith was a true trail blazer. 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. pic.twitter.com/TJB5dUy67K
— Old Dominion (@OldDominion) February 6, 2024
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."
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. ?
— Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) February 6, 2024
Zach Bryan
Zach Bryan took to his Instagram story with a screenshot of Keith's song "Beer For My Horses" with Willie Nelson.
"Gotta saddle up your boys," Bryan wrote. "We love you and you will be missed."
Jake Owen
Jake Owen shared a few photos of himself and Keith to his Instagram story. He also wrote a message that reads, "Love ya big dawg. I was lucky enough to get to spend a lot of time around this guy. He was an example of someone bigger than the music. His legacy outside the tunes are what any of us should strive for."
Randy Houser
Houser commented on the announcement of Keith's death on Instagram, writing, "God Bless you and Family. Hard to imagine an America without Toby Keith in it."
Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen shared a tribute on his Instagram story, writing, "RIP. A country music and American legend."
WWE Star Brooklyn Brawler
"RIP ?@tobykeith.? A great talent, A great person, you will never be forgotten"
RIP @tobykeith A great talent, A great person, you will never be forgotten ??? pic.twitter.com/2iclM1S5eA
— Brooklyn Brawler (@brawlerreal) February 6, 2024
