© Andrew Nelles for USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

Late in the evening of Feb. 5 country music sensation Toby Keith lost the battle to stomach cancer. Surrounded by his family, the star passed peacefully in his sleep at age 62.

Keith is an American icon and true country music legend. Over his lifetime he released 25 albums and had world wide sales of of 40 million. 

Keith announced back in June of 2022 that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021. 

Keith fought the terrible disease diligently with radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. 

Not letting the cancer slow him down, in September of 2023 Keith was awarded the very first presentation of the Country Icon Award at the People’s Choice Awards. And a country icon he truly is.

Keith went on to perform a song that brought tears to everyone’s eyes. The song was “Don’t Let The Old Man In”, which he had wrote for his friend Clint Eastwood. This emotional tune touched on themes about facing and avoiding death. The audience and the world watching were all full of emotions. 

Just as they all are this morning at the news of Keith’s passing. Country music fan or not, we all shed a tear at the loss of this incredible man who kept the American spirit alive. 

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