American country singer Toby Keith, known for his patriotic and controversial songs, and his odes to drinking, died Monday evening at the age of 62, according to a press release published Tuesday on his X account (ex-Twitter).
Cowboy hat on his head, red beard trimmed into a goatee, guitar under his arm, American flag in the background, Toby Keith is a country icon, particularly adored in the American Midwest.
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“Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night, February 5, surrounded by his family. He fought with grace and courage,” we can read in the press release published on his X account.
The singer from Oklahoma, in the southern United States, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2022.
During his 30-year career, punctuated by around fifteen albums and several hits, Toby Keith frequently performed in front of American troops abroad. His nationalism has sparked controversy, with his critics calling him a chauvinist.
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In 2017, he headlined the inauguration ceremony of Republican Donald Trump, an unpopular president in the world of showbiz and entertainment. But he also performed at events organized by the real estate mogul’s Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama.
In Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American) – “Courtesy of the red, white and blue (The Angry American)” –, a title released the day after the attacks of September 11, 2001, he did not go there with the back of the spoon: “We will get you stoned, that’s the American way.”
Toby Keith also has a large repertoire dedicated to the supposedly cathartic effects of alcohol, like I Love This Bar (“I like this bar”), Get Drunk and Be Somebody (“Get Drunk and Become Someone”), Drinks After Work (“Drink after work”) or Drunk Americans (“The Drunk Americans”).
Beer For My Horses (“Beer for my horses”), one of his biggest hits, is devoted to the fight against crime and corruption.
