WASHINGTON — Fellow country artists and fans react to the death of singer-songwriter Toby Keith, who died Monday at 62.
“I was saddened to hear of Toby Keith’s passing. He really was one of the good guys. He helped a lot of people get started in the business. He loved God, he loved his family, and he was a true patriot. He loved America. A friend to so many, including myself! Rest dear brother, you’re home at last!” — Ricky Skaggs, in a statement.
“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. RIP Toby Keith.” — The Oak Ridge Boys, in a statement.
"It's always hard when we lose our brothers and sisters in country music. Toby Keith was one of the greats in every way. He will be missed but his music and legacy lives on," — Dolly Parton, on X, formerly Twitter.
“Toby Keith did things his way — amazing artist, songwriter, patriot, and man of faith. I admired him and how he rolled. He and I shared a deep love for our military, and I’m proud that he took his music to dangerous places in order to give the American spirit to those protecting freedom." — Lee Greenwood, in a statement.
"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! 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," — Carrie Underwood, on X, formerly Twitter.
“It’s heartbreaking to lose Toby Keith. I’ve always been a big fan of Toby and his music, and I’ll always treasure singing with him. Toby was a great American.” — Crystal Gayle, in a statement.
“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.” — Jason Aldean, on X, formerly Twitter.
“I loved him as a musician. A great Oklahoman. A great American. What a loss!” — Kristin Chenoweth, a fellow Oklahoman, on Instagram.
“God Bless you and Family. Hard to imagine an America without Toby Keith in it.” — Randy Houser on Instagram.
“Toby Keith was big, brash, and never bowed down or slowed down for anyone, His story is a distinctly American one — a former roughneck oil worker who carved out his own space in country music with a sinewy voice and an unbending will to succeed.” — Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, in a statement.
“Absolutely heartbreaking. Not only a country music legend, but also an American hero. He will be remembered for what he did for our great military more than anything and I know that’s how he would want it. God bless Toby and his family.” — Austin Burke on Instagram.
“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, via X.
“Toby Keith was a true trailblazer. 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.” — Old Dominion via X.
“Waking up to the terrible news that our friend, and legend @tobykeith has passed away from cancer. He was a true patriot, a first class singer/songwriter, and a bigger than life kind of guy. He will be greatly missed.” — John Rich of Big & Rich on X.
“Toby has been a great talent and image in the music business and will be respected and remembered forever.” — Janie Fricke, in a statement.
“Toby was a true American success story and never forgot what America stands for. He was an icon. God bless his family at this sorrowful time. R.I.P.” — T. Graham Brown, in a statement.
“I have always enjoyed Toby Keith’s music throughout the years. He’s always been a patriot with his continued support for our military. This one hits hard for sure!” — Johnny Lee, in a statement.