Toby Keith’s Son Posts Emotional Salute to ‘My Hero’

Toby Keith‘s son is opening up about his father’s death at age 62, marking the first time one of Keith’s family members has addressed his passing in public.

In a post to Instagram on Thursday (Feb. 8), Stelen Keith Covel calls his late father “My hero,” writing in part:

“You are the strongest man I have ever known. A fighter. A true titan of your industry. My guiding star. My coach. My hero. An embodiment of the American Spirit.”

“You are a man whose strength, prowess, and talent could only be trumped by his ability to be a father and husband … You were my biggest champion and the guiding light in my darkest times. The best mentor a man could ask for,” he adds.

“… You truly did it your way, from the starting gates to the finish line, and never apologized for it. The only thing I truly ever wanted in life was to make you proud. I promise I will continue to make you proud,” Stelen vows, finishing with:

“It’s not goodbye forever; it’s just goodbye for now. I love you cowboy.”

See the entire statement:

Toby Keith died “peacefully” on Monday (Feb. 5), “surrounded by his family,” according to a post on his social media pages. He had battled stomach cancer since late 2021.

“He fought his fight with grace and courage,” the statement added.

Toby Keith’s Sweetest Photos With His Wife, Tricia Lucus

In 1984, Toby Keith married his love Tricia Lucus after three years of dating, and the couple remained together for the rest of his life. Over the years, they raised three children together. Keith adopted Tricia’s daughter Shelley, who was born from a previous relationship, and they welcomed a daughter named Krystal and a son named Stelen. Take a look back at the couple’s sweetest moments together through the years.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

See Photos From Toby Keith’s Final Shows in Las Vegas

Toby Keith played three shows to a sold-out crowd at Las Vegas’ Dolby Park on Dec. 10, Dec. 11 and Dec. 14, 2024. These shows would turn out to be his last. Amid his ongoing stomach cancer battle, the country legend died on Feb. 6 at the age of 62.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

Toby Keith Dies: Jason Aldean, Luke Combs + More Stars React

Toby Keith died at the age of 62 on Monday (Feb. 5) after a battle with stomach cancer. His death left the country music community mourning one of its most influential figures and talented songwriters. Here are some of the tributes and memories artists shared as they grieved Keith’s passing.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

Toby Keith’s 20 Best Songs Prove He’s a Country Icon

Toby Keith reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart 20 times during his 30-plus year career, but some of this best songs were deep cuts.

Here are his greatest hits — the top songs from 19 studio albums and beyond.

Toby Keith died on Feb. 5, 2024 after a two-year battle with stomach cancer.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

22 Photos of Toby Keith Young

Toby Keith was one of the most influential artists in country music history, with a career spanning from the mid 1990s all the way until his death in 2024. Let’s take a walk back in time and see pictures of Toby Keith young.

Gallery Credit: Evan Paul

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