Highlights
- Fans mourn the death of iconic country musician Toby Keith, who changed the music industry in many ways.
- Toby Keith battled cancer in the last few years and his loving wife and children will continue his legacy.
- Toby Keith played a crucial role in helping launch Taylor Swift's career, signing her to a contract with his record company.
Every time the world loses an artist, there is a certain period of grief. Especially when it's one as important as Toby Keith. This iconic country musician changed the music business in more ways than people realize, and fans around the world will certainly feel his absence for a very long time.
He had been battling cancer for the last couple of years, being cared for by his loving wife Tricia who, alongside their three children, will carry out his legacy.
As tributes keep pouring in, fans have also pointed out that Toby Keith's impact on the entertainment industry exceeds the world of country music. It turns out, the musician played a crucial part in helping the career of the arguably biggest star in the world right now. Yes, none other than Taylor Swift.
RelatedToby Keith's Health Problems Affected His Career And Net Worth Forever
Have Toby Keith's health struggles made it impossible for him to make country music?
Fans Around The World Mourn Toby Keith's Death
"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." The music world woke up to this statement, and it changed everything. Toby Keith was a country legend, who embodied the genre and paved the way for so many artists that came after him. The musician had been battling cancer for a few years now, but he only made it public in June 2022.
RelatedToby Keith's Health Update Didn't Prepare Fans For His Shocking Post-Cancer Transformation
Toby Keith's appearance was unrecognizable post-cancer diagnosis. Sadly, fans won't ever get to see him performing again.
"Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer," he shared with fans. "I've spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover, and relax. I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait." Sadly, he didn't get to make this wish come true, but through his many decades in the business, he more than fulfilled everyone's expectations.
How Toby Gave Taylor Swift Her Chance
As people found out about the singer's passing, fans and colleagues shared their tributes to Toby Keith. Some of them pointed out something that a lot of readers might not know, and that is how instrumental he was at the beginning of Taylor Swift's career. Nowadays, Taylor is the face and sound of current pop music, but as true fans know, her beginnings were in country music, and it was Toby Keith's company, Big Machine Records, that first signed her in 2005.
She was a completely unknown teenage artist at the time. Talented, of course, but new to the scene and inexperienced. He took a chance, getting her her first contract, and needless to say, it was a great decision on both parts. Although Taylor Swift changed her path eventually, turning to pop music, there are countless country influences present in her music to this day, and that is likely thanks to Toby Keith in many ways. It's probable we will get to see her heartfelt tribute to the musician soon.
Toby Keith's passing is a heavy loss for the music world. Our thoughts are with his family and friends in this challenging time.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErZ%2Bippeoe6S7zGidmqajYrCzscOiq2asn5fGbrfEoquhZaCqwbW1zaBkrZmpobyzedKwoJ%2BsXaKusXnMqKyrpl2pv6KzyJxknZ2RqbVw