Toby Keith’s son, Stelen Covel, recently posted a heartwarming message to Instagram this week, discussing his father’s passing. The legendary country star died at 62 on Monday after a batter with stomach cancer. Covel honored his late father in the social media post, calling him his “guiding star” and the “best mentor a man could ask for.”
“You are the strongest man I have ever known. A fighter. A true titan of your industry. My guiding star. My coach. My hero,” Covel began the post with. He further highlighted his father’s powerful impact on the world, through his influential career.
“An embodiment of the American Spirit. You are a man whose strength, prowess, and talent could only be trumped by his ability to be a father and husband. Your impact is forever stamped on the world and on millions of people, yet not one person knew you the way I did. You were my biggest champion and the guiding light in my darkest times.”
Covel noted more of Toby Keith’s admirable characteristics, explaining how their lasting memory strengthens him in this time of mourning. The 26-year-old added that he strives to continue making his father proud until he gets the chance to see him again.
“The best mentor a man could ask for. You held a passion that was greater than mountains and it radiates through every lyric and chord. In the everlasting echo from the legacy of your music, you leave me strength and faith to lean on in the silence that follows,” Covel continued in his post.
“You truly did it your way, from the starting gates to the finish line, and never apologized for it. The only thing I truly ever wanted in life was to make you proud. I promise I will continue to make you proud. It’s not goodbye forever; it’s just goodbye for now. I love you cowboy,” he concluded the message.
Following Keith’s tragic passing, support has poured in from across the country music industry which he left such a bold mark on. Country music star Blake Shelton, who was a personal friend of Keith’s, explained how he was not only the “toughest man” he knew, but also a “hero.”
“Even though I knew about your battle these last few months I still never imagined this day. Anyone who knew you knows what I mean. You were the toughest man I ever met. Thank you brother for being a friend, a hero and an inspiration. There will never be another Toby Keith.”
“Stood me still with emotion and memories to see and hear of the loss of my friend… the legend… Toby Keith. Heart breaking with thoughts and prayers for his fans and family this morning. We toured together several times around the globe. He was always the kindest… sweetest gentle giant of an outlaw one could ever hope to entertain and make music with. Raising a Red Cup this morning and saying a prayer. Heavens a honkytonk tonight,” said country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus.
"*" indicates required fields