One-On-One With Toby Keith: A Look At His Career From The Beginning

News 9's Robin Marsh sat down for a one-on-one interview with country music star Toby Keith, who talks about the early days of his career, his journey in country music, and how he found the strength to return to performing after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

[@ReviewsAndHowTos]

We, the fans, loved Toby Keith, and he loved us back. Even while bravely facing his own battles, he stepped out there one last time. Toby holds a special place in my heart, not just as a phenomenal artist but as a supporter of U.S. veterans in deployed locations. A true American who gave his all, both on stage and off. We're going to miss you, Toby Keith. Rest in peace, brother.

[@ChefBarb58]

WE LOST OUR TOBY. MAY THE ANGEL'S GUIDE HIM TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER ✨️✨️✨️LOVE AND PRAYERS TO FAMILIES. HE PUT UP THE GOOD FIGHT, HE'LL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS ❤

[@alicehathaway1377]

❤

[@gisellegazda3884]

Rest in Peace, sir. Thanks for the great music. 😢🙏

[@pmay6772]

I went to a Billy Ray Cyrus concert in Atlanta with a neighbor of mine back in 92-93. I wasn't a big fan but she wanted someone to go with her and she bought the ticket so I went. That was one of the best nights of my life. Toby Keith opened for Billy Ray and I've been a huge fan ever since. Thank you for all the wonderful music you have given us through the years. I pray God heals you one hundred percent and you can make music until you're 100 yrs old.

[@CCRider5312]

So Toby was much better than the Silly Ray Virus huh ? Can’t say I blame ya never was a fan of him either, ole one hit wonder. I wanted to put at G in front of his middle name instead of the Ray. But I figured the Rude Tube cry babies would say I was using hate comments. The whole world is getting so touchy anymore getting their itty bitty feewins hurt. So ya can’t say nothing joking around nowadays that some sensitive woke person don’t get offended & report ya for it. But anyway yeah I’m a big Toby Fan too & didn’t like Silly G Virus either. 😂

[@allfacts19]

​@@CCRider5312​​ dude Billy Ray had a few good hits. I bet you learned to use nicknames in 2nd grade or from Trump. You're an ignorant moron. No nicknames name there. That's what you are 😂.

[@allfacts19]

That's an awesome story.

[@MhykolFam]

I want him to stay until he’s 102 bye we lost we almost won

[@cinaannie7338]

Rest in peace, Toby... 😥😓😭

[@MegaAlexis92]

He will be missed by so many fans in the country music industry.

[@angeliqueedwards2004]

Praying for you, Toby. My man has been battling bladder cancer, and chemo is one of the hardest things your body can go through. My man ended upnot eating for 6 weeks and in the hospital for most of that time because as the oncologist said, " Chemo isn't medicine, its poison that we put in you and if its doing this on the outside imagine what it is doing to the cancer " Luckily, when his bladder, prostate and lymph nodes were removed, he was right and all the cancer was dead. He is in remission and trying to learn how to have a life with a urostomy bag, but he is alive, and I thank God above. It's been the hardest thing to watch the man you love go through, so watching Toby's wife cry, I know what she is feeling. I am praying for her and the rest of your family as well. May God bless you all

[@micheleh5169]

I loved you since the first time I saw you Toby. You were a good man. God bless your family ❤

[@SRose-zs3mu]

Love Toby Keith! Thank you! Praying God saves his life!

[@kevinallen1699]

He already has.

[@kln58cub]

He did and Toby is with Him now.

[@zzthepirate3884]

Man im bummed he IS MY HERO! A GENUINE GREAT GUY AND A TRUE BLUE AMERICAN

[@kathleengagliardi7669]

Beautiful presentation . This is one that stands out, and shows his beautiful shine. One of a kind . Toby is raw perfection !!

[@gabby8388]

Toby is the man. God love him.

[@dalebellamy1405]

He is a KING! So glad he ruled over the music in the way he did he did......my heart is chasing a tear.

[@joycehall6158]

I love Toby, he sounded so good in Vegas truly thought he would win the fight. You're going to be missed but your music will be forever ours. Prayers to all the family🙏

[@loraburke-mulkey3119]

I have never liked country but I adore him and his voice

[@peggyradeck9140]

GOD bless Toby’s family We miss him so much already. Rest in Peace💔🌈🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@rosefinny4219]

Another, One of THE GREATS' Gone way Too Soon🥀 I will never forget Tobys' Grand Entrance, at his Ft. Myers, FL concert, one of a kind❣Tobys' Music, his Appreciation and Love, for Country and Military, Never To Be Forgotten❣ MAY THERE BE A "RED SOLO CUP SALUTE", IN HEAVEN, FOR YOU, TOBY KEITH🙏 ❤ 🕊 🥀 🎶 🎸 🎶 🎤 🎶 You, were the ONE🌹 R.I.P. TOBY KEITH🙏 🕯

[@lisamyers8188]

Thank you for sharing ..Toby has been a big inspiration for my husband who was diagnosed with stage 4 esphogaul cancer of August 2023..He takes all of Toby's advice as inspiration for all the rough journey now and ahead..so please let Toby know he is making a huge impact on this cancer patient..God Bless you Toby and we have you in our prayers.

[@janedixon8491]

Oh my how I love Toby Keith… the real deal.

[@davidm6256]

This was a awesome interview with Tobi Kieth, thank you for sharing this with us, he's a icon of country music and a icon of America 🇺🇸 God Bless him

[@noras8433]

🤩 Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Toby Keith!!! You’ve Got This!!! Lean on your faith!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@WKurt]

Toby is great!! I admire his fight and tenacity!! You go Toby!! We’re all pulling for you!! You got this beat!!

[@PMOBVEVO2024]

I know it hurts hard for you, and I’m praying for you and Toby’s family, and everyone else who is hurt. Rip Toby Keith.

[@tommyv8559]

It’s great that you recognize that God is using you even in your toughest hour , you never turned your back on God and your faith you are truly incredible , God bless faithful servant we all can learn a lot from you

[@user-sq5sl4uz3c]

Sadly he passed away gone but not forgotten

[@wandayoung4799]

So glad I saw this. It was bittersweat! Thank you. God Speed Toby!❤

[@bettyslawinski8265]

Love you Toby!!! Stay strong friend 😢💛💛💛💛💛🥰I love you!!!we love you!!!

[@chrisbabolat2]

Rest easy Toby, thank you for the legacy you leave us with and the Faith you lived throughout your life

[@13rizzlian]

RIP That man was a big part of my life; he has been playing the soundtrack to my youth growing up around horses and rodeos.

[@Elinagirl]

Love You Toby Praying for Complete Healing Love and Hugs Kisses from Hawaii ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@melaniegarcia3070]

Toby, keep up the fight. We are all praying for you. God has blessed you and will continue to bless you. 🙏🙏🙏

[@PMOBVEVO2024]

Wow, crazy how recent this was.. He lost, but he won in heaven, cause god never loses to the devil. And Toby sure didn’t lose to the devil and whatever the devil threw at Toby these last 2 years. Rip Toby Courtesy of the red white and blue…..😢

[@kathykoeven]

Thanks for that update on Mr Toby Keith! Praying for his continued healing and return to full strength in body and voice! 🎶

[@Denise_B17]

Thank you for the interview with Toby Keith. It was a dream of mine to watch him perform live. He came to the Oregon Jamboree. His show was one I will never forget. He was one of the headliners. After the show people were chanting Toby, Toby, Toby. He same back and sang more songs. The crowd cheered him on. I have a video and tons of pictures. I will never forget that night my dream and bucket list came true. He puts on an amazing performance.

[@Sbow406]

RIP TK. Fantastic human and entertainer!

[@bonniejulien8505]

Toby Good night praying for you and your family,and too say ,we are praying for you all and too say keep the faith You are gonna be ok Toby. we serve a Big God Love you and your family. God Bless . have a great night sleep.everyone loves you all.

[@bobbybarnes408]

I live in Cleveland Ohio, I'm 68yrs old, just watched both of your reports. I'm sitting here in tears. I've ALWAYS loved his music. I wish I'd had the chance to see him live. RIP Toby, you'll never be forgotten 😢😭

[@Blessd-savingrace]

Ik this morning the news Toby Keith passed away Very sad day in Country music 🎶😞✝️ Heaven is rejoicing!!!

[@riverofpurple]

I have loved him since the beginning. Much love & prayers to him & his family

[@InAbundanceWithAubrey-bv1rh]

Just heard about Toby. So sad. So happy he left an amazing legacy. Such a talented & good man! May he rest in peace!

[@laylalayla-jl4ik]

Prayers for the Family, Friends and Fans..R.I.P Thank you for the songs and the Love for the American Troops. You will be greatly missed. sending Prayers of strength and comfort. such a Legend in Country Music you will always be.

[@user-wd3jm4vh4n]

RIP my friend....you touched a lot of lives in central Oklahoma.....RIP...you did well.

[@kennyemckenzie5027]

Prayers for his family and friends. You will be missed sir 😢🙏🏻

[@kellyweber627]

May God keep you strong 🙏🏻 Your fans love you!! ❤

[@justnana13-klj40]

My daughter wore me out on "Little Too Late". We spoke of that song and video today. My heart is with the family, friends, fans. What an impact you had on all of us. Go rest high... Thank you for the memories...

[@OKRMetric]

I came to Oklahoma in 87 and I remember when he was singing the jingle for News 9.. I remember thinking how that was his launching pad because he blew up shortly after that.. I have brought that up many times over the years and many people didn't remember it.. Loved this piece.. and thank you Robin for doing it.. Gonna miss you Toby.. R.I.P.

[@jw66jw]

GOD bless Toby Keith. He'll be missed. Happy Birthday America, one of his best songs should be the "acting" national anthem till we get ourselves straightened out.

[@Ncpokey]

RIP My brother 😢😢😢😢

[@veravinson6077]

I pray you will continue to fight this cancer and you will be completely healed 100 percent ❤️❤️

[@DanSmith-cb5vj]

Parts 1 and 2, fantastic stories. Thank you!

[@rufusandtalluhla2841]

This was even more heartbreaking watching this again today, after the world lost a great man💔. Rest In Peace Toby

[@constancehope4933]

Well done Robin

[@jeffyarbrough147]

I saw Toby during a USO show at Ramstein AB, Germany, in 2010. He was a mega supporter of our US military. There were 5000 people packed intin the hanger for his performance. RIP TK

[@sarahcochcroft323]

I really loved this interview with Toby! My husband and I have been fans since the first time we heard him! I am so thankful to the Lord for all He has done for us all! Without Him we are nothing! What a joy to see Toby and get a glimpse of how he is doing! Toby, if you read this just wanted to say we love you and look forward to seeing you in concert sometime soon!! We are in NC! Lincoln County, NC ❤s you! Praying for you friend! Sincerely, Sarah Cochcroft

[@gskitten]

So sorry to hear about the lost of this dear man, may his family walk with pride at all the great work he did, Bless you !

[@janerodgers3995]

This was a great interview… I’ve wanted to know so much of this for years and this was what, 3 months before we lost him? What a great man. He will always be my favorite…. Prayers for his family

[@jeanneanderson3367]

Love Toby Keith. Thank you for sharing. May God bless Toby & his family. Will keep him in my thoughts & prayers. Fan from CT 🙏🏼

[@kimberlypotts3874]

AMEN

[@lacieheart3915]

love this story..heartfelt and always hopeful. very moving and genuine....

[@johnrusselman1364]

His Soul is in heaven.

[@user-sy1yn4kd7q]

God Bless you 🙏🏻❤️

[@christiekeaton155]

God Bless you Robin for I needed this so much. As always praying for Toby and his wife and B family just as all the singers for I truly love music. We grew up singing gospel here in Tn and my mother passed when I was 12 in 1985. I still sing a little and I love Jesus. ❤

[@SRose-zs3mu]

I'm so glad my sister shared this with me, I never knew about News 9 KZbin! Subscribed! Thank you! What a blessing to see this on our great Toby Keith who we love so much!❤🙏

[@Creek....123]

Rip what a life well lived

[@derbymankg]

RIP TOBY !!!!

[@SamsonsamSim]

Thank you Toby!

[@juliaannlucas637]

So love Toby wonder will he tour again ?2024

[@georgeanhazelwood1105]

RIP TOBY❤

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

Wow ... just 11 days ago. This was such a great well done interview. RIP TK

[@allfacts19]

Those 4 songs capital records turned down are 4 of his biggest hits.

[@kareneby1914]

Awesome ❤❤❤

[@Sweetpeabowgirl]

Tears roll down my cheeks and onto my heart, as I faithfully pray for you each and every day, several times a day! God saved me from stage 5 cancer, having immediate surgery to save my life. You had just became famous with “Should have been a cowboy” and “Blue Moon”. I was a single mom with two young kids. I couldn’t give up; and you with that qwerky smile and so many of your songs kept me going. You unknowingly gave me the strength to keep pushing forward. 40 years later, I’m looking back, realizing God needed me to learn to love and forgive others unconditionally. By doing so, I’ve learned what it really means to love someone. May the love and light of our Lord, Jesus Christ shine upon you each and every day! I love you Toby, you just don’t know how much. I understand what you are going through and know you are never alone! Jesus is walking along side of you now and he will never leave. He was always there for me and he is right there beside you. There’s one more thing I want you to know. Country music was blessed when your grade school teacher told your parents to encourage you to continue to write creatively. You had a special gift. She was spot on recognizing that you would be a true Country Music Legend. Gods speed sweetheart! I’m always with you! Me🙏🤠🕊️🎸🐎🎣✈️❤️💋

[@dashcan8479]

How is your health now?

[@Sweetpeabowgirl]

@@dashcan8479 I’m doing ok. Thank you for asking. Did you know Toby well?

[@dashcan8479]

@@Sweetpeabowgirl I would love to correspond. Yes I did know Toby but not personally. I followed his music for years and when he got cancer, I followed him even more. He fought valiantly, courageously and relied on his faith. You wrote you got cancer. Both my parents and an aunt of mine died due to cancer. I got a little one time on my nose. Not sure how to email but i would be willing. God bless you.

[@dashcan8479]

I see your real name and email. I can email you.

[@franciscocastillo8194]

Descansa en paz mi amigo,no te imaginas cuanto lo siento no entiendo mucho el inglés pero como pero me encantó tu música, desde el fondo de mi corazón que tus familiares pronto consigan la reconciliación adiós Toby hasta el cielo mi hermano.

[@tommiegirl2441]

Good night, Toby. 💔

[@tl270]

Rip mr County musics best

[@Liane-qs6ml]

I just Love my Toby ❤ it's only up from here❤

[@Elinagirl]

He is so good looking 😄 Toby is so Young In that jingle Love you TK ❤️ Praying for Your Complete Healing In Jesus Name and Through His Stripes are You Healed Amen 🙏🙏🙏 💋😘💋

[@markwest8960]

R.I.P. Toby

[@wa2k99]

RIP LEGEND

[@JulianWelchel]

Rest in peace 😢❤

[@cricketmay8640]

💔❤️❤️

[@Jose-od8ld]

Toby you Rock Brother.

[@jeannineleipzig3507]

❤ love it and love him❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@colinclemons2235]

Can’t believe this was just 11 days ago

[@honeybadger5933]

🙏🙏🙏

[@PlightOfAMan]

RIP brother

[@Jobaig911]

Can someone from news 9 please reach out to me I need help getting some stuff to Toby’s family they deserve these memories my parents were their neighbors in the 80s in the trailer park

[@kendrabutler3670]

Toby has always had faith..but😅🎉🎉🎉 come on ¡!! Everyone has a red solo cup... ❤u tobty kieth

[@valpal332]

🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@rv74b2002]

RIP

[@photosbyjose]

Rest in peace I'm a prostate cancer survivor.

[@lesliefox2272]

😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@LT-tf8co]

Please link this video to part 1

[@13rizzlian]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@ryanthacker5629]

It broke my heart to hear Toby Keith had passed away. Toby truly was apart of the greatest Country Music Artist to ever play & he stuck to his roots! A real Country Music Artist tells a story in their songs & thats what made Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings & George Jones, David Allen Coe & others such great artist. This "Bro-Country" with white boys rapping about lifted trucks & tractors isn't real country music, it's just noise that sounds like pop & hiphop. Hell these guys don't even have a steel guitar in their band which makes them not country music artist. Toby Keith without a doubt is a dying breed & like George Jones song asks "Who's gonna fill their shoes" & unfortunately they can't be filled!! Rest In Peace Toby Keith & until we join you in The Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ you will be missed by millions of fans worldwide!!

[@prof113]

To be fair, David Letterman came to the Late Show on CBS. He was on Late Night after Carson/Leno for a looong time (over 10 years) before that on NBC. Anyway, I hope Toby beats this. It is entirely doable, but either way, it has made him stronger. Bless him!

[@caseysimon6357]

💔

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Key Kids , Don't Smoke , Don't Drink , Don't chew snuff and don't eat much Sugar.. So Tobe stayed married to the same woman for 40 years?

[@hiflyer1168]

same one!

[@nicole4659]

40 Yrs ..Wow you don't hear of that very often any more. R.I.P Toby.

[@drumgold23]

RIP

[@perijetton9275]

💔