‘He Was My Hero’: Toby Keith’s Daughter Pays Heartfelt Tribute for the First Time Since His Death

Toby and Krystal Keith | Source: Instagram/krystalkeith

Toby and Krystal Keith | Source: Instagram/krystalkeith

‘He Was My Hero’: Toby Keith’s Daughter Pays Heartfelt Tribute for the First Time Since His Death

Toby Keith passed away on February 5 and tributes for the late singer have since poured in from family, friends, and colleagues. Among them is one from his daughter, Krystal.

Toby Keith and his daughter, Krystal, in an Instagram carousel dated February 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/krystalkeith/

Toby Keith and his daughter, Krystal, in an Instagram carousel dated February 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/krystalkeith/

In an emotionally charged on Instagram, daughter, Krystal, shared a heartfelt message honoring her late . The post, filled with personal reflections and a cherished photo of the two on stage together, has since garnered a significant outpouring of support from fans and friends alike.

Toby Keith and his granddaughter in an Instagram carousel dated February 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/krystalkeith/

Toby Keith and his granddaughter in an Instagram carousel dated February 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/krystalkeith/

Comments from fans reflect the deep impact Toby had not only on his family but also on his wider community. One of Toby’s employees , “I’m so heartbroken for you and your family. Working for your dad for the past 27 years has been nothing but a true honor.” A fan , “This broke my heart to read.

Another added a personal story of inspiration, “When I was 8 years old I received a signed autograph and signed CD from Toby, he was a huge reason why I enlisted in the military as an adult.

Toby Keith and his daughter, Krystal, and her daughter in an Instagram carousel dated February 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/krystalkeith/

Toby Keith and his daughter, Krystal, and her daughter in an Instagram carousel dated February 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/krystalkeith/

In another , which Krystal posted while her father was still alive in September last year, Krystal about her father’s multifaceted life, “He has been my ICON since day 1 and in the last 6 months he has been honored with not one but 2 Icon Awards for the work he dedicated his life to.”

But it was her in the second tribute that encapsulated the profound loss, “He was my hero,” Krystal , emphasizing the personal heroism her father embodied beyond his public persona.

Toby Keith and his daughter, Krystal, and her daughter in an Instagram carousel dated February 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/krystalkeith/

Toby Keith and his daughter, Krystal, and her daughter in an Instagram carousel dated February 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/krystalkeith/

The depth of their bond and the magnitude of her loss were palpable as she the cherished moments, “I am so lucky to have had him and so grateful he got to walk me down the aisle and meet my babies.” She also shared her love for him and said nobody could be more proud of him than she is.

As previously reported on February 6:

Mere hours ago, the public learned of the sad news that country star Toby Keith had died. The 62-year-old beloved musician passed yesterday, February 5. Toby’s fans have been left heartbroken by the news and took to social media to pay respects to the late artist. A statement detailing Toby’s demise was posted to his official Instagram account.

In the message, it was that Toby, who was battling stomach cancer, died “peacefully” and was “surrounded by his family.” The Instagram post also that “he fought his fight with grace and courage.”

Toby Keith and Tricia Lucus at the People's Choice Country Awards in Nashville, Tennessee on September 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Toby Keith and Tricia Lucus at the People’s Choice Country Awards in Nashville, Tennessee on September 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Toby and Krystal Keith at the 38th Annual Country Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee in 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Toby and Krystal Keith at the 38th Annual Country Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee in 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Upon seeing the post, one fan , “We love you, Toby. I’m so devastated. Your music will l[i]ve on forever, legend ❤️.” Similarly, another , “My heart is broken…Thank you for sharing yourself with the world 😢❤️.”

Another fan addressed : his wife, Tricia Lucus; his daughters, , and ; and his son, Stelen Keith Covel. The fan , “Rest in peace, Toby. Sending prayers to his family. This is such sad news, but you were a blessing and fought it out until the end like the legend you are.” Someone else , “God bless his family through this hard time 😢.”

Before the “Don’t Let The Old Man In” singer died, he briefly spoke to a media outlet about his cancer. He discussed how he felt good that day he was giving the interview but also , “It’s a little bit of a roller coaster. You get good days, and you know, you’re up and down […] It’s always zero to 60 and 60 to zero.”

Days before his passing, Toby shared two last videos on his social media page. In one, he reflected on the when he was 14 or 15. The other video showed Toby entertaining a vast crowd as he onstage.

With his death, leaves his incredible legacy in the hands of his grieving family, who have asked the public to respect their privacy during this significantly painful time.

As previously reported on June 8, 2023:

Country star Toby Keith worried his fans when he announced that he was taking a break from music to deal with his stomach cancer diagnosis in June 2022. The singer said he was undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery and needed time to rest. Keith explained that he would use this time to get back on his feet and spend time with his family.

Toby Keith in California in 2003 | Source: Getty Images

Toby Keith in California in 2003 | Source: Getty Images

In December 2022, Keith made his since announcing . The country star was positive that he would be back on stage soon.

However, he admitted that his body was strained.”It is pretty debilitating to have to go through all that, but as long as everything stays hunky-dory, then we will look at something good in the future,” he . The “Red Solo Cup” singer shared a picture promoting children’s health on his Instagram, which concerned fans due to his appearance.

The singer had evidently lost weight, and many were worried about his . Some found the weight loss concerning, while others thought Keith looked good. One person , “You have lost so much weight. Prayers for you dear Toby.”

Another , “Please tell me Toby is ok? This picture is most disturbing.” Someone else , “So thin. I hope you are getting better.” Another social media user , “Wow he’s lost a lot of weight. But still looks great. Keep fighting my friend.” Most commenters saw the drastic change in Keith’s appearance as worrying and reckoned that the stomach cancer was taking a toll on his body.

Some could not even bear the singer’s sight and wanted reassurance that he was fine. Nonetheless, his supporters kept him in their prayers and encouraged him to fight. “Omg, I just saw this. He looks nothing like he once did. Ripping my heart out. I pray he pulls through this,” a worried user.

To see Keith still smiling and doing his charitable work gave many fans hope that he would defeat cancer, even though it was so scary to see him in his that fans thought it was “disturbing.”