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Singer Toby Keith dies at 62: What was the cause of death?

The music star’s debut single “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” was the most played country song of the 1990s.

Robert GalbraithREUTERS

Country music star Toby Keith died on Monday at the age of 62, his official website and social media accounts revealed early on Tuesday. 18 months ago, the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer revealed he had diagnosed as having stomach cancer.

A short statement on Keith’s Twitter/X account reads: “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.”

Keith is survived by wife Tricia, who he married in 1984, three children and four grandchildren.

Keith discusses battle against stomach cancer

The singer-songwriter revealed in June 2022 that he was suffering from stomach cancer and but continued recording and performing, even ending the year with a three-night show in Las Vegas in December. Three months earlier, he had spoken about his battle against the illness, saying he was “up and down” and “zero to 60″ or “60 to zero,” depending on the day.

Country music successes

His last album, 100% Songwriter, was released in November last year, although arguably his biggest success was his 1993 debut single “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which was the most played country song of the decade.

Oklahoma native Keith, who released 19 studio albums, two Christmas albums and five compilations albums between 1993 and 2023, sold over 40 million albums worldwide and had 61 charted singles.

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