Country sensation Toby Keith died on February 5, 2024.
However, the singer fulfilled his wish of walking his daughter-in-law down the aisle.
The singer’s son, Stelen Covel, and his wife wrote heartwarming tributes to Toby.
Toby Keith, also known as one of the legendary country singers, died on February 5, 2024. The news was announced on the singer’s official Instagram.
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According to the post, the country star died peacefully, surrounded by his family. “He fought his fight with grace and courage,” continued the message. The 62-year-old announced his cancer diagnosis in 2022.
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In the post, Toby wrote that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall. But he had already been going through chemotherapy and radiation for six months. At the time, things were looking good for the singer, and he was grateful to be spending quality time with his family.
Regardless of his health issues, the country star did not allow his cancer diagnosis to keep him from doing what he loved: music. In June 2023, Toby hosted his annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic event, a two-day celebration that helps raise money for Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral. The organization dedicates itself to helping children with cancer who need treatment in Oklahoma City.
While at the event, Toby seemed optimistic about his health and the future of his career. He mentioned that he was due for a scan and hoped that the tumor would have shrunk. “Basically, everything is in a real positive trend,” he said.
The “I Love This Bar” singer was easing himself back into singing and looked forward to being on the road again. Another part he did not lose during his battle was his sense of humor. Before he died, he was awarded a Country Icon Award at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards, and during his speech, he joked about wearing skinny jeans.
However, Toby lived through significant milestones in his family. The father left behind his three children, whom he shares with his wife, Tricia Lucus. Throughout his fight against cancer, he had the unwavering support of his wife. Lucus was an amazing nurse and held her husband’s hand till the end.
The couple’s eldest daughter, Shelley Covel Rowland, is from Lucus’ previous marriage, but Toby adopted her after they married. Shelley keeps a low profile and rarely shares her life on social media.
Toby’s second daughter is Krystal Keith, who followed in his footsteps and became a musician. The father and daughter performed together at the CMA Awards 2004, where they sang one of Toby’s hit songs, “Mockingbird.”
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Krystal eventually put her music career on hold to focus on raising her two children, whom she shares with her husband, Andrew Sandubrae. Toby was proud of his daughter and praised her for having an amazing voice.
Krystal might have been influenced by her father, but she was determined to develop her own sound. She was also inspired by other powerful female singers in the industry, such as Patsy Cline, Martina McBride, and Reba McEntire.
Toby and Lucus’ only son is Stelen Keith Covel. According to reports, he is an estate investor and co-owner of some of these restaurants, 405 Burger Bar, Hollywood Corners, and Tequila Chulos.
Stelen Covel has also been married to his wife, Haley Covel, since November 2021. The couple’s wedding was special because Haley got to have her father-in-law walk her down the aisle. When Toby found out about his cancer diagnosis, he admitted that he was not sure if he would live to see his son’s wedding.
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After his diagnosis, he saw a few people around him die from the disease. His daughter-in-law had also lost her father and asked the country singer to walk her down the aisle. Eventually witnessing and fulfilling Haley’s request was special for the “Red Solo Cup” singer.
In her tribute to Toby, Haley also looked back on her wedding day and thanked the country star for welcoming her into the family. “He took me in as his own, and I’ll be forever grateful for that.” she wrote. Haley ended her heartwarming tribute with the words, “He walked me down the aisle in 2021 to marry his son. 🤍 ”
Stelen also paid tribute to his father with a picture from his childhood. He remembered Toby Keith as the strongest man he had ever known. He was grateful to have had him as a coach, mentor, and hero to look up to. “The only thing I truly ever wanted in life was to make you proud. I promise I will continue to make you proud.” wrote the proud son.
