Toby Keith Fans Call Into Radio Stations To Share Memories

Fans are remembering the life of country music legend Toby Keith after he died at the age of 62 following a battle with stomach cancer. He was an Oklahoma native and had more than 30 number-one hits, including “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “Beer for my Horses,” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.”

Our Griffin radio stations, including 98.5 The Bull and Big Country 99.5, altered playlists to include plenty of Toby Keith songs. That got many people dialing in to talk about their experiences with the country superstar.

Related Story: Exclusive Interview With Toby Keith: A Look At His Career From The Beginning

“I kind of met him a little bit one time,” said a caller. “I used to work at a Red Lobster in Norman.”

To many, Keith was more than just an entertainer.

“We all have that connection to Toby Keith,” said Tanner Messer, host of Big Country 99.5. “I think that’s why, as Oklahomans, it hits really hard.”

Some callers remember Keith performing for troops while they were deployed overseas.

“At least twice, he came to see us in Baghdad,” said a caller. “The day we came back from Iraq, he was there. Made sure to give everybody a hug and welcome us back off the plane.”

Other callers tell the story of how he reached out to a loved one who was dying.

“He personally called her and talked to her on the phone and then sent an autographed picture of him to the hospital as well,” said another caller.