Toby Keith‘s family has arranged celebrations of life for the country icon.
Following the passing of the “Red Solo Cup” singer, whose full name was Toby Keith Covel, his family disclosed plans for upcoming memorial services in a recent social media post.
Toby Keith’s Family Announces Funeral Plans
A week after the country singer passed away, his family decided to honor him with two memorial services.
Alongside an up-close shot of the late country artist donning a cowboy hat, a blue shirt, and a big smile, they shared details about his funeral plans on Instagram writing:
“The Covel Family is hosting a private funeral service for family, band and crew only in mid-February. A memorial service to honor Toby will be announced only on Keith’s socials shortly.”
They also informed his followers and fans that instead of sending flowers, they would appreciate “donations to @tkfoundation1 to support the OK Kids Korral.” The Instagram update gave fans another opportunity to mourn the country music icon and express their hurt in the comment section.
One bereaved social media user penned, “Life is not fair. Yep. I said it. Why do the good ones always have to leave? He and your family have been in mine and my family’s hearts, minds, and prayers.”
A second person lengthily explained, “The death of Toby Keith has absolutely brought me to my knees. My heart is so broken. Totally unexpected. I can only imagine how his family, band members and close friends are feeling. If there was ever a loss I didn’t understand it’s this one. RIP Toby.”
Another Internet user penned, “He meant so much to military families and patriots in America. We will miss him. Prayers extended for his family, friends, and band,” while a fourth asserted, “I am so heartbroken over Toby’s passing. I watched him during his career, and I loved all his music. I have all his songs and some of his videos.”
Meanwhile, one Instagram follower with an idea stated, “He deserves a concert tribute by many artists .. televised. He was loved by soooo many. He loved his country and his fans.
Keith tragically passed away on February 5 after a battle with stomach cancer. His fans initially became aware of his cancer diagnosis when he opened up about it in 2022, saying:
“Last fall, I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover, and relax. I am looking forward to spending time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”
During that period, the “I Wanna Talk About Me” vocalist postponed all his shows, as his publicist disclosed that he would not be participating in any performances while undergoing treatment.
Keith’s Son Praised Him For Being ‘An Embodiment Of The American Spirit’
Details about Keith’s funeral come days after his son, Stelen Covel, poured out his emotions as he mourned his father in a touching tribute. He chose a throwback shot featuring a younger version of him and his dad in a swimming pool for the message.
“You are the strongest man I have ever known. A fighter. A true titan of your industry. My guiding star. My coach. My hero. An embodiment of the American Spirit. You are a man whose strength, prowess, and talent could only be trumped by his ability to be a father and husband,” the 27-year-old began in the caption.
Covel divulged that despite the 62-year-old’s “impact” being “forever stamped on the world and on millions of people,” nobody knew him “the way I did.”
He affectionately referred to his dad as his “biggest champion,” the “guiding light” in his “darkest times,” and “the best mentor a man could ask for” before adding:
“You held a passion that was greater than mountains and it radiates through every lyric and chord.”
The Tequila Chulos co-owner concluded the effusive message, “The only thing I truly ever wanted in life was to make you proud. I promise I will continue to make you proud. It’s not goodbye forever; it’s just goodbye for now. I love you, cowboy.”
