Childhood and Education Journey of Toby Keith in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Toby Keith. From birth to education, explore key events.

Toby Keith, born Toby Keith Covel, was a prominent American country music artist known for his singing, songwriting, and record production. He also ventured into acting and business. He was a significant figure in the country music scene, known for hits that often reflected patriotic themes and a distinctly American perspective. His career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 8, 1961: Toby Keith's Birth

On July 8, 1961, Toby Keith Covel was born. He later became a successful American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and businessman.

Others born on this day/year

1982: Unemployment and Football Tryouts

In 1982, Toby Keith faced unemployment due to the decline of the oil industry in Oklahoma, leading him to try out for the Oklahoma Outlaws and later play for the Oklahoma City Drillers while continuing to perform music.

March 24, 1984: Toby Keith Marries Tricia Lucus

On March 24, 1984, Toby Keith married Tricia Lucus.

March 24, 2001: Death of father, H.K. Covel

On March 24, 2001, Toby Keith's father, H.K. Covel, passed away in a car accident, an event that deeply impacted him.

September 11, 2001: September 11 Attacks

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Toby Keith wrote "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" in response.

2002: Dropped from ABC's Fourth of July concert

In 2002, Toby Keith was dropped from ABC's Fourth of July concert after host Peter Jennings objected to the song "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue".

2004: Endorsed George W. Bush's re-election

In 2004, Toby Keith endorsed the re-election of President George W. Bush and identified as a conservative Democrat, also supporting Democrat Dan Boren.

2004: Toby Keith Helps Found Ally's House

In 2004, Toby Keith helped found Ally's House, a cancer charity in memory of Allison Webb, the daughter of one of his former bandmates.

2005: Opened Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill

In 2005, Toby Keith opened Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in multiple locations, starting with Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Syracuse, New York, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

2006: Toby Keith Establishes Foundation

In 2006, Toby Keith established the Toby Keith Foundation to provide housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families.

January 2007: Expressed views on the Iraq War

In January 2007, Toby Keith stated he never supported the Iraq War and favored setting a time limit on the campaign, while also defending his patriotism.

December 25, 2007: Covel Family Awarded $2.8 Million for Wrongful Death

On December 25, 2007, the Covel family was awarded $2.8 million for the wrongful death of Toby Keith's father, H.K. Covel, who died in 2001.

April 2008: Remarks on Barack Obama

In April 2008, Toby Keith commented on Barack Obama's potential as a leader, acknowledging both Obama and John McCain as great options.

April 2008: Proposed commercial spot with Al Gore and the Chicks

In April 2008, a commercial spot to promote Al Gore's "We Campaign", involving both Toby Keith and the Chicks, was proposed but ultimately abandoned.

August 2008: Called Obama the best Democratic candidate

In August 2008, Toby Keith called Barack Obama "the best Democratic candidate we've had since Bill Clinton", indicating his evolving political views.

October 2008: Registered as an Independent

In October 2008, Toby Keith told CMT that he had left the Democratic Party and re-registered as an independent due to his dissatisfaction with the party's direction.

April 2009: Voiced Support for Obama

In April 2009, Toby Keith voiced support for President Obama's decisions on Afghanistan and other matters, citing the appointment of Gen. James Jones.

May 2009: Death of Wayman Tisdale

In May 2009, Wayman Tisdale, a basketball player, jazz bassist, and friend of Toby Keith, passed away, inspiring Keith to write the tribute song "Cryin' for Me (Wayman's Song)".

2009: Announcement of New Restaurant Location

In 2009, Capri Restaurant Group announced that it would open another "I Love this Bar & Grill" location in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's South Side Works shopping and entertainment district.

2009: Established TK Steelman clothing line

In 2009, Toby Keith established a line of clothing named TK Steelman, expanding his business ventures beyond music and restaurants.

February 2010: Opened restaurant in Winstar World Casino

In February 2010, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill opened in the Winstar World Casino, Oklahoma, marking another expansion of his restaurant chain.

2011: Introduced "Wild Shot" drink

In 2011, Toby Keith introduced a new drink named "Wild Shot", initially available in Mexico and later in America, becoming a featured drink in his restaurant chain.

2013: OK Kids Korral Built by Toby Keith Foundation

In late 2013, the Toby Keith Foundation built the OK Kids Korral, a residence for child cancer patients at OU Medical Center.

2015: Closure of Restaurant Locations

In 2015, the Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill locations in Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and in the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park, Minnesota closed.

2019: Toby Keith Describes OK Kids Korral as Greatest Accomplishment

In 2019, Toby Keith described the OK Kids Korral to The Oklahoman as his greatest accomplishment.

2021: Toby Keith Diagnosed with Stomach Cancer

At the end of 2021, Toby Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

June 2022: Toby Keith Announces Stomach Cancer Diagnosis

In June 2022, Toby Keith announced he was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the end of 2021 and had undergone treatment.

June 2022: Cancer diagnosis announcement

In June 2022, Toby Keith announced his cancer diagnosis, leading to a break from public performances until September 28, 2023, when he performed at the People's Choice Country Awards.