Toby Keith Kept Playing to the End: Country Singer Performed His Final Shows Just 2 Months Ago

Mar. 15, 2025

On Tuesday, the country singer’sfamily confirmed that he died at age 62 on Monday nightafter being diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021.

Amid Keith’s diagnosis, he made sure to keep performing and entertaining crowds until the end.

Keith took to Instagram on Dec. 28 to call the sold-out shows “a damn good way to end the year,” sharing a montage clip from the performances.

The country crooner also shared a thankful post on Dec. 31 to see in the New Year, writing: “Been one hell of a year with a lot to be grateful for. Here’s to 2024!”

In September, Keith — known for hits such as “Red Solo Cup” and “Should Have Been a Cowboy” —performed his 2019 track “Don’t Let the Old Man In” at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards.

He attended the ceremony and delivered a speech after receiving the inaugural Country Music Icon Award.

Blake Sheltonpresented Keith with the award, honoring him for his work as a musician, humanitarian and entrepreneur.

“Bet you thought you’d never see me in skinny jeans,” Keith quipped while 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 little while.”

During his speech, he thanked his family and team, insisting “A lot of people go into making a big career like this of 30 years.”

“Most of all I want to thank the fans for still allowing us to do what we do,” he added.

Before his appearance at the 2023 PCCAs, Keithperformed two pop-up shows at the historic Hollywood Corners barin Norman, Oklahoma, on June 30 and July 1.

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Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty Images

The performances marked his first since heannounced his cancer diagnosis in June 2022, confirming at the time that he’d already received six months of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

In November 2022, Keithinsisted he was planning on getting back on the road.

“I need a little bit of time to just rest up and heal up,” he said during an interview withCMT Hot 20 Countdown.

The singer-songwriter “passed peacefully” on Monday, his family confirmed in a statement.

“Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,” the message concluded.

source: people.com