Toby Keith’s Children Share Tributes on 1st Anniversary of His Death

Toby Keith and his daughter Krystal perform on stage at the 38th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn., on Nov. 9, 2004. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

One year after the death of country music legend Toby Keith, his children took to social media to share heartfelt tributes, reflecting on his enduring legacy as a father and grandfather.

Keith, who died on Feb. 5, 2024, at the age of 62 following a battle with stomach cancer, was remembered by his daughter, Krystal Keith, in an emotional Instagram post one year later. Sharing a collection of family photos, she reflected on the deep bond he shared with his children and grandchildren.

“It feels like yesterday we said goodbye and yet it somehow has also been the longest year without him,” she wrote. “I can’t help but find gratitude in all the time we had because we did all of life as a family unit.”

The post included candid moments of Keith with his grandchildren. “It’s hard to find a candid picture where he doesn’t have one of our babies in his arms,” she continued. “He was their favorite, and they were his. Our littles miss their buddy big time but we all know we will see him again someday.”

Krystal also emphasized the lasting influence of her father’s legacy, describing how his love of life and family continues to inspire those he left behind. “Until then, he will watch over us and walk beside us,” she wrote. “Every sunset (and he LOOOOVED his sunsets) is a reminder that he wants us to live our best life and do good in the world. So that’s exactly what we will do.”

Keith’s son, Stelen Keith Covel, also honored his father in a touching social media post, expressing his love and admiration for the man he called his “hero.”

“A whole year without my hero,” Stelen wrote. “Here’s to one day having more of these nights. Love you dad.”

Toby Keith’s Legacy

Keith’s influence extended far beyond his family. Shortly before he died, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, an honor he was unaware of at the time of his death, Billboard reported. This recognition cemented his status as one of country music’s greatest figures.

His impact on the charts was equally profound. Following his passing, Keith made history by dominating the Country Digital Song Sales chart, surpassing industry giants including Kenny Rogers and Taylor Swift. He became the first artist to claim nine of the top 10 songs on the chart at once.

In the years leading up to his death, Keith reflected on the remarkable journey of his career. Following his cancer diagnosis in 2021, he shared his thoughts on the legacy he had built over three decades in country music.

“Just seeing how enormous the career I amassed over 30 years when they show the video,” he told People at the time. “You know where you were when you wrote all those songs, you hear those numbers and you’re just like, you looked up one day and all of a sudden 30 years went by.”

Throughout his career, Keith amassed numerous awards and accolades that recognized his contributions to country music. He was a 14-time Academy of Country Music (ACM) award recipient. He also earned multiple Country Music Association (CMA) awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards, highlighting his widespread influence across the industry.

His debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” became one of the most-played country songs of the 1990s, launching a career that spanned more than three decades.

His philanthropic work also earned him accolades, including the Spirit of the USO Award for his dedicated support of U.S. troops. He frequently performed for deployed service members, using his platform to uplift and honor those in uniform.

Keith is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Tricia Lucus, his three children Shelley Covel Rowland, Krystal Keith, and Stelen Keith Covel, and his grandchildren.