Sooner Nation pays respects, mourns the loss of Toby Keith
The world lost an icon Monday night with the passing of country music star and Oklahoma Sooners super fan Toby Keith.
Keith, who’d been battling stomach cancer, passed away at the age of 62. His departure leaves a significant hole in the OU community as Keith was a proud supporter of all things Oklahoma Athletics.
A statement posted early Tuesday on Keith’s social media read, “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
From his presence on the sidelines at OU Football games to partying with OU Softball after they won their third-straight national title, Toby Keith was a fixture in the OU community decades and made an impact that will leave a legacy in Oklahoma.
This loss will be felt by everyone involved with the Oklahoma Sooners. Administrators, coaches, players, and fans were all impacted by the life and presence of Toby Keith. Social media was flooded by members of the OU community paying their respects to the country music icon.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends and pray for comfort and peace during this time.
Prayers to the family and friends of a legend
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 6, 2024
From the University of Oklahoma
Remembering Toby Keith. ❤️
Forever a part of the #OUFamily. pic.twitter.com/jMJM6DDYhg
— Univ. of Oklahoma (@UofOklahoma) February 6, 2024
OU Head Baseball Coach
We lost a great man and friend last night in Toby Keith. He never thought of himself before the other guy. He always brought something of value to the dance. He was always a breath of life! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest easy Hoss! pic.twitter.com/2rBWbAigut
— Skip Johnson (@CoachJohnsonOU) February 6, 2024
A Dear Friend to JR
My heart is heavy today upon hearing that my friend Toby Keith has left us. 🙏
I’m so sad.
A true man’s man.
Boomer Sooner Big T.— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) February 6, 2024
The most enthusiastic supporter
I always reminded Toby of the time I met him after we won the BIG12 in Norman, 2016. In the locker room he grabs me by the shoulders and screams, “that’s how you play some mfn football Caleb Kelly!” My response, “Holy Shii you’re Toby Keith!” 😂 RIP Cowboy, I’ll miss you! 🤍🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/4L0iJ4FGas
— Kanai™️ (@calebkkelly) February 6, 2024
A Legend
Sitting on row 1 at OWEN FIELD you always loved to see Toby walk by with JR on the way to the @OU_Football sideline. 😢 I’m going to miss you OU big dog daddy. #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/UPUCbSzAjs
— Jim in Arlington-USO rep for Stutsman Army (@jiminarlington) February 6, 2024
From Country Music Star
too many rides in my old man’s car listening to Toby Keith. really hard thing to hear
rest in peace friend we love you— Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan) February 6, 2024
Iconic Man
Toby Keith was a larger than life figure. His music was the heart of so many road trips with my dad and uncle. You felt like he was in the car with you.
He loved entertaining, but he loved being an Oklahoman more. An icon and role model for all of us.
— Kegan Reneau (@KeganReneau) February 6, 2024
Sooner through in through
RIP Toby Keith, he was 62. #BOOMER pic.twitter.com/0H2gsmqaZv
— Tattoo Baker 🎥✨ (@QB1TATT00) February 6, 2024
Was an encouraging voice
Gonna miss my guy! I’m blessed to have gotten to spend a little time with him before this heart wrenching news. Toby was a dudes dude, We’ve talked ball, we’ve talked about our Heavenly Father or “The Big Man Upstairs” as he would call him. I’ll never forget him telling me to… https://t.co/oUBsC0zmcc
— Mark Clayton (@ClaytonMC9) February 6, 2024
From Sooners Great Lane Johnson
Dang, another one. 🙏 RIP to the legend Toby Keith https://t.co/NueFW6c1Oy
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) February 6, 2024
The Only Way to Move Forward
Would be a beautiful tribute for all beverages to be sold in a red solo cups this evening at the Lloyd Noble Center. pic.twitter.com/EtFk6ALqOV
— Eddie Radosevich (@Eddie_Rado) February 6, 2024
From Sooner AD Joe Castiglione
Can’t believe we lost our dear personal friend, Toby Keith. Filled with deep sadness but flooded with wonderful memories too. He was as authentic as they come & did more for people than anyone will ever know. Please 🙏 for his entire family. Rest high on that mountain Big T. pic.twitter.com/8BhoJuee10
— Joe Castiglione (@soonerad) February 6, 2024
From Sooner great Tony Casillas
Crushed by the passing of a true legend I was blessed to have known Big Dawg Daddy🙏🙏Damn , prayers for his beautiful wife Tricia and family . RIP brother. @tobykeith pic.twitter.com/CEnojTpicm
— tony casillas (@tccasillas) February 6, 2024
Man of the People
Tailgating in 2013. My cousin in the front didn’t recognize Toby with the Cap on. Just tailgating like every other Sooner. pic.twitter.com/z583qQ438O
— Wallis Marsh (@WallisMarsh) February 6, 2024
A man unlike any other
This is just so sad. This man was not a perfect man, but he absolutely tried to be. He has always supported OU athletics, softball specifically. He is going to be sorely missed. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/RKTXvsGBJv
— Courtney Braitsch (@ces_reddirtgirl) February 6, 2024
His support extended to the golf course
Every year, Keith's foundation hosted a golf tournament that usually raised more than $1 million for local charities. Also, Belmar hosts the Schooner Fall Classic every fall, and the trophy is one of the best in college golf. pic.twitter.com/HAIQdpIBuh
— Cameron Jourdan (@Cam_Jourdan) February 6, 2024
A huge hole was left in the OU Community
You don’t get to know a man in 1 night, but enough to say all of those things are true. Just a God-fearing, American patriot, truly living for every second.❤️
The song “My List” hits a little different today. Thanks for sharing your heart through your music Toby.❤️ https://t.co/juyN4HK8wj pic.twitter.com/8rYUTD9M0K
— Jordyn Bahl (@jordybahl) February 6, 2024
Never lost site of who he was
I’ve always admired famous people who were unaffected by their fame. Toby Keith was one of those. I’ll be praying for Trish and their children.
— Kenny Mossman (@Kenny_Mossman) February 6, 2024
From former Virginia Tech and NFL QB Michael Vick
RIP Toby Keith@CountryMusic @tobykeith
🙏🙏🙏 Legend for sure! pic.twitter.com/PDNzN3EbvY— Michael Vick (@MichaelVick) February 6, 2024
Helped create a lot of memories for a lot of people
My family didn’t listen to a lot of country music when I was going up, but we dang sure listened to Toby Keith. His music was a staple of my childhood. Thank you for the memories, Toby Keith.
— OU Tierani (@tierani_kristen) February 6, 2024
Man of Humility
The best part about Toby Keith was that he had it all and he was as humble of a person you’ll ever meet. RIP to a true legend. I hope they have red solo cups in heaven for ya ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WtuLgeQMuV
— 𝙁𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙𝙎𝙤𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧 (@SOONERSnFITTEDS) February 6, 2024
From Sooner Great Ogbo Okoronkwo
Damn 💔💔 I know Uncle Wayman met you at them gates and gave you a big hug 🥲🥲🥲 https://t.co/zq5ieD4vbZ
— Coach Dwayne W. (@Liltwin_84) February 6, 2024
Never Forgot Where He came from
You knew it was coming soon, but when it hits….heartbreaking. He was the house band at Chastains back in the day and we were all invited to be in his video when he hit it big. Cancer sucks. It really, really sucks. pic.twitter.com/rzNEIkFcRZ
— Soonah ⭕️🙌🏻 (@BoomahSoonah) February 6, 2024
From Sooner Great Gerald McCoy
Toby Keith was a great man. Loved his energy every time I was around him. Huge Sooner fan!! This is horrible news!! Prayers to his family!! 🙏🏾😔
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) February 6, 2024
Lived every day
Boomer Sooner Toby. These were taken before the SMU game
and Iowa State 2023. Toby didn’t Sugar Coat his diagnosis but was determined to maximize his remaining minutes. pic.twitter.com/15yj3CoPhx— Wallis Marsh (@WallisMarsh) February 6, 2024
Left a Legacy
Absolutely crushed. To my 5th grade football coach and the man who taught me how to swim in the deep end. His impact transcends way beyond what he ever did in music. RIP ❤️ https://t.co/DjrLuHcTm1
— Joe Castiglione Jr. (@JoeCJr29) February 6, 2024
Was One of Us
I’m mid-introduction he just says “Oh Travis? Grill Boy! Here, sit down!”
We talked for an hour about pro softball, recruiting, golf, message boards, the RB depth and much more.
He didn’t go to OU events for publicity or to feed his ego. He was DIALED IN.
Thanks for reading.
— Travis J Davidson (@TravisSkol) February 6, 2024
His impact goes deep
Last year, I had the honor of sitting down and podcasting with @tobykeith and @CoachBobStoops. It was one of the highlights of my career listening to the two legends share stories of their friendship and their beloved #Sooners. I'm deeply saddened to hear of Tobys passing, and…
— Sam Mayes (@AllmericanMayes) February 6, 2024
Good day to listen to Toby
Toby on shuffle all day long. Rest in Peace my friend ❤️
— Sherri Coale (@sherricoale) February 6, 2024
