Toby Keith passed away Tuesday morning at 62 after a battle with stomach cancer. Along with being a singer-songwriter, Keith was a well-known Oklahoma football fan who appeared on “College GameDay” before the rivalry game against Texas.

Known for 20 No. 1 Billboard hits, Keith found celebrity after he released some of his biggest hits, including “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “As Good As I Once Was,” “My List” and “Beer for My Horses.”

Keith worked as a roughneck in the oil fields of Oklahoma, then played semi-pro football before he became a singer.

Oklahoma Athletics shared memories of Keith supporting the Sooners, and called it a “profoundly sad reality to exist in a world where Toby doesn’t.”

“He brought life and joy to every room he entered, and our hearts are dimmer today without him. An American icon and a stalwart Sooner. A superstar talent and a fierce friend of our program. We thank him for the unwavering support he always gave, his generosity as a human being and the countless smiles and memories he created here in Oklahoma and around the world.”

pic.twitter.com/NfdLKGLQQe

— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 6, 2024

In 2017, Keith stopped by Kentucky coach Mark Stoops’ radio show, and offered support for the long-time coach, as well as a prediction that the Wildcats would beat Florida.

Here’s a sample of the reaction:

The OU Athletics family is incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Toby Keith. It’s a profoundly sad reality to exist in a world where Toby doesn’t. He brought life and joy to every room he entered, and our hearts are dimmer today without him. An American icon and a… pic.twitter.com/NAcSDKgyFa

— Oklahoma Sooners (@OU_Athletics) February 6, 2024

Toby Keith was more than a Country Music Icon!!! He loved America, the Troops, Oklahoma, the Sooners, golfing, fishing, and so much more. He was a great man, and someone that I had the privilege to call a Friend! We will all miss you TK! ❤️ RIP https://t.co/mRe6ytlmf6

— DustyDvoracek (@DustyDvoracek) February 6, 2024

Toby Keith as a guest picker on College Gameday before OU-Texas.

“Y’all know who I’m picking. I’m going with the Sooners baby.” pic.twitter.com/wjTQXl8pVH

— The REF (@KREFsports) February 6, 2024

Rest easy Toby Keith ???? pic.twitter.com/xGdXlS8mrS

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 6, 2024

Toby Keith was a great man. Loved his energy every time I was around him. Huge Sooner fan!! This is horrible news!! Prayers to his family!! ???

— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) February 6, 2024

#NBD, Toby Keith stopped by @UKCoachStoops Radio Call-In Show tonight. “Ya’ll got the best man on the job.” We agree, Toby. We agree. pic.twitter.com/BCppN9SYJV

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 18, 2017

We lost a great man and friend last night in Toby Keith. He never thought of himself before the other guy. He always brought something of value to the dance. He was always a breath of life! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest easy Hoss! pic.twitter.com/2rBWbAigut

— Skip Johnson (@CoachJohnsonOU) February 6, 2024

RIP Toby Keith man. That breaks my heart.

UNCLE SAM PUT YOUR NAME AT THE TOP OF HIS LIST!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/QHaPexL6fx

— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) February 6, 2024

RIP Toby Keith. My brother-in-law with a fun moment during a crazy OU/Texas game in 2018. https://t.co/pyI3SbLjE7 pic.twitter.com/gD6RjvlRzm

— Kyle Bowlsby (@kbowlsby) February 6, 2024

Remembering Toby Keith. ❤️

Forever a part of the #OUFamily. pic.twitter.com/jMJM6DDYhg

— Univ. of Oklahoma (@UofOklahoma) February 6, 2024

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.