- Reba McEntire expresses pride in shared Oklahoma heritage with Toby Keith and acknowledges his contributions to the country music industry.
- Reba fondly remembers touring with Toby in the mid-1990s and praises his talent as a songwriter and singer.
- Toby Keith’s death from stomach cancer is announced on February 6, prompting an outpouring of condolences from celebrities and the broader music community.
Additional Coverage:
Country music icons Reba McEntire and Toby Keith share more than just their music careers—they both hail from Oklahoma. In response to Toby’s passing at the age of 62, Reba expressed her pride in their shared Oklahoma heritage during an interview with KOCO 5. She commended Toby for his hard work in the country music industry and spoke highly of his contributions. Reba also mentioned her honor in working with Toby and being a part of the same era of country music. She expressed her sadness at his loss and wished him eternal rest.
Reflecting on their time touring together, Reba praised Toby’s talent as a songwriter and singer. She emphasized his distinct voice and style, noting that when his songs played on the radio, it was instantly recognizable as Toby Keith. Reba fondly recalled their joint shows in the mid-1990s, describing their contrasting personalities—Toby as the renegade outlaw and herself as the “Little Miss Goody Two-Shoes.” She found their dynamic to be a lot of fun.
On February 6, Toby’s official social media accounts announced his death from stomach cancer. The statement shared that he passed peacefully on February 5, surrounded by his family. Toby had privately battled stomach cancer since 2021, but he only made the news public in June 2022. The tweet requested privacy for his grieving family, highlighting Toby’s display of grace and courage throughout his fight.
Reba was not the only prominent figure to mourn Toby’s loss. Many celebrities, including Carrie Underwood, Zach Bryan, Dolly Parton, Jelly Roll, and even First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, offered their condolences with public statements. The news of Toby’s passing resonated deeply within the music community and beyond.