Toby Keith Battled Stomach Cancer as Taylor Swift Drew Inspiration from His Career
Toby Keith, the renowned country music singer and guitarist, passed away at the age of 62 due to stomach cancer. Known for his chart-topping hits such as "Should've Been a Cowboy" and "Let's Talk About Me," Keith maintained a career that spanned from 1993 to 2011, during which he achieved 20 No. 1 records in country music. In addition to his music career, he was a savvy businessman and marketer, notably associating his brand with Ford truck commercials and establishing his presence in the restaurant industry without investing capital by controlling the decor and music selection.
During his final days, Keith, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer in fall 2021 and publicly disclosed his condition in June 2022, drew strength from his faith and the support of his family, including his wife Patricia. Even while undergoing cancer treatment, he continued to perform and engage with his fans. Keith passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
Outside of music, Keith's influence extended into the business realm, where he played a pivotal role in the early career of pop superstar Taylor Swift. He partnered with music executive Scott Borchetta to create Big Machine Records, the label that signed Swift in 2005 and helped catapult her to fame. Swift has previously acknowledged Keith's impact on her career.
Politically, Keith was recognized as a conservative Democrat with an independent streak and a centrist view supporting the troops. His ventures also included a foray into acting with a role in the movie "Broken Bridges." In 2013, Forbes highlighted his financial acumen by dubbing him "Country Music's $500 million man." His passing has brought additional attention to stomach cancer, which claims approximately 10,880 lives annually in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.
