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Blake Shelton is paying a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and fellow country icon Toby Keith, who passed away peacefully on Monday night at the age of 62 after battling stomach cancer since late 2021.
Following the news, Shelton turned to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his grief. “Even though I knew about your battle these last few months, I still never imagined this day,” the 47-year-old singer wrote on Tuesday. “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.”
The bond between the two Oklahoma natives ran deep. Last September, during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards, Shelton presented Keith with the Country Music Icon Award. Speaking with People at the event, Keith fondly recalled their early days together. “I took him out when I first got headliner status early on, and I was his first big tour he got,” Keith said, adding that living in Oklahoma made them kindred spirits who shared plenty of good times.
Shelton was far from the only country star mourning the legendary artist. Tributes flooded in from across the industry, including Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Jason Aldean, Old Dominion, Luke Bryan, Jelly Roll, Zach Bryan, Dan + Shay, Luke Combs, Reba McEntire, and Chuck Wicks.
McEntire shared poignant words about her fellow Oklahoman, telling People, “We’re going to miss him so much, not only as a friend but a fellow performer and person in the music business and from Oklahoma. But he doesn’t have to fight anymore and he doesn’t have to hurt anymore.” She added, “I hope one day to get to see him up in heaven. Thank God we have his wonderful music to keep us company even though he’s not here on Earth with us.”
Meanwhile, Wicks highlighted Keith’s massive stage presence and legacy. “I’m like any other fan, right? I love Toby Keith, I loved his music, grew up with his music,” the 44-year-old singer told People. “He was always bigger than life, and I think that’s what people loved about him so much—he’s this big guy up there singing hit song after hit song.”
Throughout his decades-long career, Keith captivated audiences with chart-topping country hits such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “I Love This Bar,” “As Good as I Once Was,” and “Made in America.” His family confirmed his peaceful passing on social media, leaving behind a timeless musical legacy that fans and fellow artists will cherish for generations.