Toby Keith, ‘Courtesy of the Red White and Blue’ singer, dies aged 62

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Toby Keith, the nation music star behind hit songs together with “Red Solo Cup” and “I Don’t Wanna Talk About Me”, in addition to the controversial “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”, has died aged 62 after being recognized with abdomen most cancers.

“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,” a press release posted to Keith’s web site and social media stated.

Keith offered greater than 40 million information over his profession, which was peppered with controversy on account of his political views and a public feud with The Chicks (then referred to as The Dixie Chicks) over one of his largest songs.

Written after the dying of his father, HK Kovel, in a automotive crash, and in the wake of the September 11 terrorist assaults, Keith was impressed to jot down “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”, a patriotic anthem about his father’s love for the US.

Melodically just like “American Pie” by Don McLean”, the track included the lyrics: “Justice will be served and the battle will rage/ This big dog will fight when you rattle his cage/ And you’ll be sorry that you messed with/ The US of A/ ‘Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass/ It’s the American way.”

The track peaked at No 1 on the Billboard Hot (*62*) Songs chart. Keith was later invited by broadcaster ABC to carry out at its Fourth of July live performance in 2002, however he claimed he was dropped from the present after host Peter Jennings expressed his distaste for it.

However, ABC stated in a press release that it was the community’s determination, as a result of it had not wished to begin its celebratory occasion with an indignant track.

Keith was recognized with abdomen most cancers in 2021, and shared the information with the public a yr later.

In June 2022, he tweeted: “Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last six months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.”

He added that he was wanting ahead to “spending time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”

He had not too long ago performed dwell at the 2023 People’s Choice Awards, in September, when he acquired the (*62*) Icon Award. He spoke about his prognosis throughout the ceremony, telling Extra TV: “I’ve walked some dark hallways, [but] the Almighty’s riding shotgun. I feel pretty good. You have good days and bad days.”

Many of Keith’s mates and followers expressed their devastation at the information of his dying.

Pro-golfer John Daly, a longtime good friend of the nation music singer, commented on the Instagram publish, writing: “My heart is truly broken… one of my best friends gone by this disease! RIP Big Dawg.”

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