Following the announcement of the passing of country music legend Toby Keith, an outpouring of grief and renewed interest in his extensive body of work has swept across his dedicated fan base.
At 62 years old, Keith succumbed to stomach cancer on February 5, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations. His family took to social media to pen a poignant statement, underscoring his courage and grace in the face of a relentless illness.
As social media platforms became a virtual space for fans to collectively mourn the icon, reflections on Keith’s influential career took center stage. Boasting a career that spanned over three decades, Keith left an indelible mark, having sold over 40 million albums. His chart-topping hits, including classics like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” became anthems of a genre.
On February 17, administrators of Keith’s social media handles shared a link to a Forbes article, hailing the posthumous triumph of his album “Toby’s 35 Biggest Hits,” securing the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart for the second time. This feat propelled Keith into the illustrious company of musical legends such as Michael Jackson, John Lennon, and Elvis Presley.
Originally released in 2008, the double album experienced a resurgence in popularity following Keith’s demise, with both album sales and streaming numbers contributing to its renewed success. This achievement serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of Keith’s music.
Billboard reports that Keith now joins a select group of artists who have achieved chart-topping success both during their lifetime and in the wake of their passing. This exclusive club includes the likes of Presley, Lennon, Jackson, and Prince. Noteworthy figures from the band scene, like Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Janis Joplin of Big Brother & the Holding Company, also find a place in this unique category.
In 2021, Keith’s contributions to the music industry were recognized with the National Medal of Arts from President Donald Trump. His illustrious career received yet another milestone at the People’s Choice Country Awards in September.
Despite his health struggles, Keith remained resolute in his commitment to performing. In December, he orchestrated a series of sold-out shows in Las Vegas, describing the experience as “triumphant.” Refusing to let his illness define him, Keith maintained a positive outlook and shared in a candid interview with Taste of Country in November, “I finally got to a point where I’m at peace with it. Whether I live to be 100 or not, I’m going to keep moving forward.”
Toby's 35 Biggest Hits album hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart last week, for the second time, putting him alongside legends like Michael Jackson, John Lennon, and Elvis Presley. https://t.co/D7sAX4Oqc5
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 17, 2024