Childhood and Education Journey of Toby Keith in Timeline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
December 2022: Toby Keith Describes Cancer Battle as "Debilitating"
In a December 2022 press release, Toby Keith described his battle with cancer as "pretty debilitating".
