Thomas Rhett: Toby Keith 'Was The Very First Person To Take Me On Tour'
By Kelly Fisher
February 6, 2024
Thomas Rhett’s connection with late country music legend Toby Keith dates back to his childhood.
Rhett posted two photos on Instagram on Tuesday afternoon (February 6) in honor of Keith, who died on Monday night (February 5) after a years-long battle with stomach cancer. He was 62. Rhett is a child in the first photo he posted, which also includes his father, “That Ain’t My Truck” hitmaker Rhett Akins, and Keith. The second slide is a throwback snapshot of Rhett standing on stage with Keith, who brought him on tour after he signed his first record deal more than a decade ago.
“It breaks my heart to hear about the passing of Toby Keith… I’ve known Toby since I was a kid,” Rhett said. “He used to run around in the same circle as my dad. When I signed my first record deal in 2012, Toby was the very first person to take me on tour… I watched his show every single night just trying to soak up as much as I could. I learned so much about how to write songs, how to perform, and how to entertain from Toby Keith. I am so honored to say that I got to share the stage with him. Toby - I hope your soul rests easy brother.”
Keith reveals in June 2022 that he’d been diagnosed with stomach cancer the previous fall. He said at that time that he would take time off to rest and recover. A statement shared on his social media pages in the early morning hours on Tuesday reads: “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Throughout the day, thousands of fans and the country music community have mourned Keith’s loss in heartfelt tributes, including Brooks & Dunn, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Lee Ann Womack, Alan Jackson, Dan + Shay (who posted a stunning rendition of a 2008 ballad by Keith), Tim McGraw and many others. Dolly Parton said: “Toby Keith was one of the greats in every way. He will be missed but his music and legacy will live on.”