Country music superstar Toby Keith, known for his hit songs like "Should've Been a Cowboy," passed away on February 5 at the age of 62 after a battle with stomach cancer. The track, released in 1993, was Keith's debut single and topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for two weeks. The song showcased Keith's signature songwriting style, classic country values, and nostalgia for western films. The inspiration for the song came after Keith witnessed a man from his hunting party getting rejected by a young woman at a bar. Shortly afterward, a young cowboy asked her to dance, prompting someone to say, "John, I guess you should've been a cowboy." Keith went on to achieve tremendous success in his career, with 20 number one singles on country radio. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Tricia Lucus, and their three children. Keith's final performances took place in Las Vegas in December 2024.
