Today, ALABAMA, Ronnie Milsap, Aaron Lewis, Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and The Kentucky Headhunters released the following statements:
“Toby was a real friend. I looked forward to visiting with him every time we talked together. A true superstar who was down to earth. His last email to Kelly and I broke our hearts. I loved Toby. I will miss his larger than life personality. To his family I send my prayers for comfort in this loss of my friend.” -Randy Owen / ALABAMA
“Very few artists have the trifecta of excellent songwriter, excellent singer and a big heart for other people. Toby had all three. He also is one of the great American heroes that I have, personally.” -Teddy Gentry / ALABAMA
“I woke up this morning and heard the bad news. Our Country Music Family has lost a monster singer, songwriter, entertainer and a true American Patriot in TOBY KEITH! I loved him as a friend and will miss him greatly! Rest in Peace, Toby.” -Ronnie Milsap
“Toby Keith wasn’t only an amazing singer-songwriter, a pioneer of truth-telling and a legend in his own right, but he was also a lover of God and Country. And above all, a Patriot. God bless Toby Keith and his family. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family and millions of fans around the world.” -Aaron Lewis
“My heart is deeply saddened today at the news of my friend Toby Keith’s passing. Toby was a good man, a kind man and a wonderful artist and songwriter. Toby stood for good things. He has now left his physical suffering behind and has passed on to The Heavenly Realm. He will be very missed here. May God be with you, brother.” -Collin Raye
“Toby was an amazing singer-songwriter. We got started together around the same time when we were labelmates at Mercury Records. I’m glad to see the outpouring of love for a great guy. And man, did he love my Hot Chicken! He was blessed and now God is blessing him again.” -Sammy Kershaw
“I met Toby for the first time when Mercury Records president Harold Shedd asked me to attend a showcase for Toby and two other acts he had just signed to the label. Toby had a great sense of humor and through the years would show up at our shows out of the blue and jump on-stage with us to sing ‘Dumas Walker!’ He just loved to surprise people and have fun. I especially remember one time in New York City, which was about as far from Oklahoma and Kentucky as you can get, we were playing the Lone Star Roadhouse. And out nowhere, here comes Toby out of the audience and jumped on-stage! I always loved the fact that he was a country act but was not afraid to add a horn section to his songs and live show. He broke a few rules but made certain things were OK for those who came after him.” -Richard Young / The Kentucky Headhunters