Toby Keith's Son Marks 'A Whole Year Without My Hero' In Heartfelt Tribute

Toby Keith’s son, Stelen Keith Covel, shared a heartfelt tribute to his late father one year after losing the beloved country star.

Keith “passed peacefully…surrounded by family,” on February 5, 2024, following a battle with stomach cancer. He was 62. Covel, 28, shared a video on Instagram of the award-winning country artist singing and playing his guitar. Cover marked “a whole year without my hero. Here’s to one day having more of these nights. Love you dad 🤍”

In the days after his father’s passing, Covel posted a photo from his childhood with his father. He remembered Keith as “the strongest man I have ever known. A fighter. A true titan of your industry. My guiding star. My coach. My hero. An embodiment of the American Spirit,” Covel wrote in the tribute, in part. He concluded that post with: “It’s not goodbye forever; it’s just goodbye for now. I love you cowboy.”

Keith, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2024, is survived by his wife, Tricia Covel, three children (his son and his two daughters, Shelley Covel Rowland and Krystal Keith), and grandchildren.

“We can’t believe it’s been a year since the world lost Toby,” reads a statement posted on the late legend’s Instagram account on Wednesday (February 5). “We have a hole in our heart and our lives. The love and support from the community that Toby created has left us all thankful and grateful. It has and continues to honor Toby. We know he would be proud of the legacy he left behind. Today we hope you will celebrate and listen to his music with us, where we know he is smiling down and raising his cup. A toast to a life well lived.”