Toby Keith’s Daughter, Krystal Keith, Releases Emotional Statement About His Passing
Toby Keith’s daughter, Krystal Keith, has broken her silence following his death on February 5.
Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021. He went public with the news a few months later, and announced he was taking time off to be with his family.
Then, in 2023, Toby had a “comeback” at the People’s Choice Country Awards. He was honored with the Country Icon Award, and performed “Don’t Let the Old Man In” at the ceremony.
Toby’s family attended the ceremony with him. After the show, Krystal gushed about her dad and how he was her personal “icon.”
“I love that he is getting recognition as not just MY icon, but an Icon to the music industry and fans.”
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Krystal Keith Followed In Her Dad’s Musical Footsteps
Out of Toby’s three children, Krystal is the only one who followed in his musical footsteps. They recorded a version of the song “Mockingbird,” in 2004, and it reached the 27th spot on the Hot Country Songs chart.
They also performed the song live at the 2004 CMA Awards.
Then, before her wedding in 2010, Krystal wrote a special song for her dad. She surprised Toby with the song during their father-daughter dance at the reception.
Krystal later released “Daddy Dance with Me” as her first single, and it reached the 58th spot on the Country Airplay chart.
Krystal hasn’t released any new music since 2018. Toby said she decided to put her singing career on hold to prioritize raising her two daughters, Kirby and Hensley.
Toby Keith’s Daughter Krystal Says She Is “Shattered” By His Death
Toby’s son, Stelen, was the first member of his family to address his death on social media. Stelen remembered his dad for the incredible singer, songwriter, father, and husband that he was.
Stelen’s wife, Haley, also wrote a beautiful tribute to Toby.
Then, Krystal broke her silence in an emotional post she shared on Friday (February 9). The post included a slideshow of photos, many of which showed Toby with Krystal’s two daughters.
Krystal said her dad’s death has left her feeling “shattered.” She honored the huge role he played in her life, saying:
“As great as he was in his career, he was so much greater as a dad and a husband and a Pop Pop. He was my hero.”
She continued:
“I am so lucky to have had him and so grateful he got to walk me down the aisle and meet my babies. That I have years of memories traveling the world as a family. I am blessed that I got to spend years traveling on the road and singing on stage with him … I’m lucky I got to say goodbye and tell him what he meant to me.”
Krystal spoke about how much it’s touched her to see all of the tributes that have come pouring out since Toby passed away.
She ended her post by saying how she will “forever honor” her dad.
“The pain is so unbelievably deep and it feels like I have a literal broken heart but I know that it wouldn’t hurt so bad if we didn’t love him and get to be loved so deeply by him,” she said.
Read Krystal’s full post below. Our hearts and prayers go out to her and the rest of Toby’s family during this difficult time.
Toby Keith was the founder of the Toby Keith Foundation. The foundation helps support the OK Kids Korral, which serves as a home-away-from-home for families with children undergoing cancer treatments. If you’d like to make a donation in Toby’s memory, you can visit the Toby Keith Foundation’s official website here.