Toby Keith, the renowned country music star known for his pro-American anthems, has passed away at the age of 62 after battling stomach cancer. The ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’ singer-songwriter died peacefully on Monday surrounded by his family, as announced on his website. Keith’s career was marked by his patriotic songs and barroom tunes, earning him millions of fans and 20 No. 1 Billboard hits.

Keith’s powerful voice and tongue-in-cheek sense of humor endeared him to his fans, while his clashes with other celebrities and record executives added to his larger-than-life persona. Despite his cancer diagnosis in 2022, Keith continued to perform, even taking the stage in Las Vegas in December. His influence on the country music scene, drawing from working-class songwriters like Merle Haggard, is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to resonate in the industry.

Throughout his career, Keith remained true to his roots, drawing inspiration from his experiences as a roughneck in the oil fields of Oklahoma and his time as a semi-pro football player. His unapologetic approach to life and music endeared him to fans and solidified his place in country music history.