Toby Keith’s Life in Photos: A Look Back at His Biggest Career Moments Before His Death

1994

His self-titled debut album went platinum, leading him to release Boomtown in 1994.

2001

The crooner won his first CMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year, which was certainly something to celebrate.

2003

Toby released his Unleashed album in 2002, which included a duet with Willie Nelson called “Beer for My Horses.” The following year at the Grammy Awards, they earned two nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals.

2011

The songwriter recorded “Red Solo Cup,” a party anthem that served as the second single off of his album Clancy’s Tavern.

2018

Toby’s song “Don’t Let the Old Man In” was featured in the Clint Eastwood film The Mule. The song was inspired by a conversation the pair had.

“He said, ‘I just get up every morning and go out. And I don’t let the old man in,’” Toby recalled of their conversation at a charity golf tournament. “And I thought, ‘I’m writing that.’”

2023

One of Toby’s last public appearances was at the People’s Choice Country Awards with his wife, Tricia Lucus. That night, he was honored with the Country Icon Award, one year after he initially revealed his stomach cancer diagnosis.

“I bet you never thought y’all’d see me in skinny jeans,” he said during his acceptance speech. “I want to thank the Almighty for allowing me to be here tonight. He’s been riding shotgun with me for a little while now. I want to thank my beautiful family that’s here. A lot of people go in and make a career like this of 30 years.”