Toby Keith’s Daughter Shares Birthday Message For Her Late Father

Toby Keith would have turned 63 on Monday (July 8), and friends and family are celebrating his birthday for the first time since his death on February 5, 2024.

The country star’s daughter, Krystal Keith, who is a country artist in her own right, shared a brief memory of him on social media. “Happy Birthday to our Popster,” she wrote, alongside a photo of her dad smiling on a baseball field and holding a card that read, “Keep Smiling.”

“We miss him terribly,” Krystal continued. “He’s playing in heaven today.”

Keith died in February after a nearly two-year battle with stomach cancer. In addition to his daughter, he is survived by his wife Tricia, another daughter named Shelley and a son named Stelen. He is also survived by several grandchildren and extended family members.

The country legend may be gone, but he’s certainly not forgotten. Tributes and remembrances from fellow country musicians have poured in following his death, and he’s been the subject of several special performances in recent months. One of those was at the 2024 ACM Awards, when Jason Aldean performed a moving rendition of Keith’s hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”

His life and career will also be commemorated with a star-studded tribute concert, which will take place in Nashville this month and air on NBC in August. Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Luke Bryan are just a few of the stars set to perform at the concert.

Carena Liptak is an associate editor and writer at Taste of Country. She specializes in country music news, interviews, and lists. She has a particular soft spot for sad songs. Check out her roundup of the 50 saddest country songs of all time!