Toby Keith Breaks Musical Record Weeks After His Death

Since the announcement of country music star Toby Keith’s death, there has been a significant uptick in interest in his work among fans.

At the age of 62, Keith lost his battle with stomach cancer on February 5. His family shared a heartfelt statement on social media, acknowledging his bravery and grace throughout his illness.

As fans mourned the loss of Keith on various social media platforms, many took the opportunity to reflect on his impactful career. Over three decades, Keith sold more than 40 million albums, with memorable hits such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).”

On February 17, the administrators of Keith’s social media accounts shared a link to a Forbes article, celebrating the achievement of his album “Toby’s 35 Biggest Hits” reaching the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart for the second time. This accomplishment placed Keith alongside legendary musicians such as Michael Jackson, John Lennon, and Elvis Presley.

The double album, initially released in 2008, saw a resurgence in popularity following Keith’s passing, propelled by both album sales and streaming numbers. His posthumous success on the charts is a testament to the enduring appeal of his music.

According to Billboard, Keith joins a select group of artists who have achieved chart-topping success both during their lifetime and after their passing. This exclusive list includes icons like Presley, Lennon, Jackson, and Prince, among others. When considering bands, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Janis Joplin of Big Brother & the Holding Company also attained this milestone.

In 2021, Keith received the National Medal of Arts from President Donald Trump, acknowledging his contributions to the music industry. He was further recognized at the People’s Choice Country Awards in September, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career.

The Show Must Go On

Reflecting on his achievements, Keith expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the dedication and perseverance that fueled his success over the years.

Despite his battle with cancer, Keith remained determined to continue performing. In December, he staged a series of sold-out shows in Las Vegas, describing the experience as “triumphant.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding his health, Keith maintained a positive outlook, refusing to let his illness define him.

“I finally got to a point where I’m at peace with it. Everything’s going well right now, and I refuse to let this illness dictate my life. Whether I live to be 100 or not, I’m going to keep moving forward,” he shared in a candid interview with Taste of Country in November.