Joseph Harroz and Toby Keith

This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available. 

Members of the OU family are mourning country music artist and native Oklahoman Toby Keith, who died Monday night at the age of 62.

Keith, who grew up in Moore, announced over a year ago that he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021. Keith was often spotted at OU sporting events and is a long-time donor to the university. 

In a university-wide email, OU President Joe Harroz honored Keith, calling him a beloved country music “legend.”

“Toby’s powerful voice and relatable lyrics captured the hearts of millions, propelling him to chart-topping success and garnering many of music’s highest honors,” Harroz wrote. “Beyond his musical talent, Toby was known for his kindness and down-to-earth personality, endearing him to fans worldwide.” 

Harroz wrote about Keith’s various philanthropic efforts, including raising funds for children with cancer and holding benefits for tornado victims, notably the 2013 Moore tornado that ripped through his hometown. 

“Throughout his illustrious career, he remained rooted in his Oklahoma upbringing, choosing to live in the state that shaped him and giving back generously to his fellow Oklahomans,” Harroz wrote.

Harroz remembered Keith’s love for the university in his statement, attaching photos of the singer at OU football games to the email. After the 2023 Women’s College World Series, when OU clinched a third consecutive national title, Keith invited the OU softball team to one of his restaurants and hosted a celebration.

Keith partied with the softball team, singing his hit 1999 song “How Do You Like Me Now?” to celebrate their win.

Harroz praised Keith’s love and support of the university. 

“As a lifelong Sooner, Toby’s passion for the crimson and cream made him a cherished figure within Sooner Nation, where he proudly shared his love for the university and its community,” Harroz wrote. “Personally, I will miss Toby’s laughter, warmth, and everlasting love for the University of Oklahoma.” 

Keith was active in the Norman community, playing his first shows after revealing he had cancer at Hollywood Corners in August. Keith bought and remodeled the restaurant in 2015, a restaurant his son Stelen Covel now manages. 

Keith also owns Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill. The chain has two locations, one in Oklahoma City and another in Moore, and is operated by Hal Smith Restaurants. 

OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione posted a statement to X, formerly known as Twitter, remembering Keith. 

OU head football coach Brent Venables also paid his respects to Keith on X. 

Keith is survived by his wife of 39 years Tricia Lucus and their three children, musician Krystal Keith, Covel and Shelley Covel Rowland. His family released a statement on Keith’s X account asking for privacy at this time. 

Toby Keith through the years:

Joe Castiglione and Toby Keith

Athletic director Joe Castiglione and Toby Keith during the Sooners' game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis on March 19.
Porter Moser and Toby Keith

Head coach Porter Moser celebrates with Toby Keith after winning the first round of the NIT against Missouri State at Lloyd Noble Center on March 15.
Toby Keith

Country singer Toby Keith walks on the field before the game against Army Sept. 22.
Toby Keith

Toby Keith throws out the first pitch before the game against Oklahoma State May 4.
Toby Keith and James Gallogly

Country artist Toby Keith and OU president James Gallogly cheer on the Sooners during the Orange Bowl against Alabama Dec. 29.
Toby Keith

Country music star Toby Keith laughs before the Red River Celebrity Softball game in Frisco, Texas Oct. 4.
Toby Keith

Toby Keith performs at the "Salute to Stoops" event April 13.
Toby Keith Neighborhood Sessions

Toby Keith sings at Hollywood Corners on the evening of Tuesday, September 1st. Keith, Scotty Emerick and Mac McAnally sang as part of State Farm's Neighborhood Sessions series which brings artists back to their hometowns for performances. 
Former OU great Tisdale honored during game

Country music singer, Toby Keith, performs at the Ou mens basketball game half time in honor of former OU basketball player Wayman Tisdale on Saturday afternoon in the Lloyd Noble Center. Michelle Gray/The Daily

This article was edited by Anusha Fathepure.

OU Daily standards

See an error? Earning trust is our duty. We correct errors atop stories. Identify an error, request a takedown or get in touch.

Independent and free since 1916: OU is committed to our editorial independence. You can help ensure our reporting remains strong and accessible to all invested in OU and Norman.

Want to comment? We value dialogue on issues we cover. On our social media accounts, we moderate disparagements, arguments and attacks, including those directed at our staff — and ban those repeatedly failing civility. The editor considers guest column submissions.