Toby Keith‘s kids honored him with emotional tributes on the one-year anniversary of his death.
Keith’s daughter Krystal, 39, took to Instagram on Wednesday, February 5, to share a message, writing, “It feels like yesterday we said goodbye and yet it somehow has also been the longest year without him. I can’t help but find gratitude in all the time we had because we did all of life as a family unit.”
Krystal, who shares daughters Kirby and Hensley with husband Andrew Robert, recalled her dad’s sweet connection with her own kids.
“It’s hard to find a candid picture where he doesn’t have one of our babies in his arms,” she noted. “He was their favorite, and they were his. Our littles miss their buddy big time but we all know we will see him again someday.”
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She concluded: “Until then, he will watch over us and walk beside us. Every sunset (and he LOOOOVED his sunsets) is a reminder that he wants us to live our best life and do good in the world. So that’s exactly is what [sic] we will do. 
”
Meanwhile, Keith’s son, Stelen, 27, shared a video of his father singing his 2003 song “If I Was Jesus” via social media.
“A whole year without my hero,” read the caption of the post. “Here’s to one day having more of these nights. Love you dad 
”
The late musician’s Instagram account also featured a statement from his loved ones.
“We can’t believe it’s been a year since the world lost Toby. We have a hole in our heart and our lives. The love and support from the community that Toby created has left us all thankful and grateful,” the post read. “It has and continues to honor Toby. We know he would be proud of the legacy he left behind. Today we hope you will celebrate and listen to his music with us, where we know he is smiling down and raising his cup. A toast to a life well lived.”
Keith died in February 2024 at age 62 following a battle with stomach cancer. “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage,” read a social media statement announcing his death. “Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Keith revealed in June 2022 that he was taking a step back from his music tour due to his health.
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“Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good,” he wrote via Instagram. “I need time to breathe, recover and relax. I am looking forward to spending this time with my family.”
The “Red Solo Cup” singer, who shared his children with wife Tricia Lucus, later offered an update on his treatment. (Along with Krystal and Stellen, Keith adopted Lucus’ eldest daughter, Shelley, after their 1984 wedding.)
“I’m feeling pretty good. Basically, everything is in a real positive trend. You never know with cancer, so you have to prepare,” Keith told The Oklahoman in June 2023 about his plans to tour again. “I’ve got more wind. And I’m thinking about bringing the band in and setting up, playing two or three days somewhere just to see if I can get through two hours.”
He added: “All I gotta do is see if I can get through two or three nights of work and get a little break in this chemo, and we’ll go back to work. I’m ready. That’s living. … I’m about another eight weeks from my last scan. So I expect next time I look for that tumor to be even less — and I’ve only got one that’s shown up.”
