Oklahomans Mourning Country Music Superstar Toby Keith

People across America and here in Green Country are remembering Oklahoma’s beloved Toby Keith.

His three-decade-long Country music career has also earned him many awards, including a place in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

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

Keith passed away at age 62 after a battle with stomach cancer, and those who knew him say he fought the disease with grace and courage.

Keith is one of Oklahoma’s Own- and he was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame almost twenty years ago as part of the class of 2005.

Carol Matza, the Publicist for the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, says even though he toured all over the country, he always came back to the Sooner State.

"Oklahomans are really mourning one of their own,” said Matza. “We're thankful that we had him as long as we did, we are thankful he had the impact he has had, and we're thankful for the legacy he's left."

Among those mourning is Governor Kevin Stitt.

He paid tribute to the Moore native by visiting Keith’s restaurant in Oklahoma City.

“Just sadness,” said Stitt. “We knew he had been battling cancer and had been praying for him, and it’s just super sad. Last time I saw him was on the sideline of the OU Football game.

Joe Castiglione, the OU Athletic Director, said Tuesday he was honored to be one of Keith’s friends,

He says Keith was an incredible man who left a mark on our state.

“That’s what I think he most appreciated about living back in his home state of Oklahoma is that he could be Toby," said Castiglione.

One of Keith’s last songs was called “Don’t Let The Old Man In.”

When he uses the phrase, “Don’t let the old man in,” he means that you shouldn’t let getting older bother you or stop you from doing what you love.

"There was a lot of lyrics in there that I'm thinking right now, 'he's up there,”’ said Matza. He's jamming with the best of the best of them, and he never did let the old man in. He lived his life as if every day was his last day."

Many other country music stars from Oklahoma, like Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, and Garth Brooks, have also paid tribute online to Keith.