It has been a rough couple of weeks for American pop-culture icons. On February 1st, Rocky star and much-loved icon Carl Weathers died at the age of 66. Weathers played Apollo Creed in the Rocky series and has also starred in numerous television shows. Perhaps his most-loved character was Chubbs Peterson in the Adam Sandler golf movie “Happy Gilmore.” Most recently, Weathers reappeared in a series of Fanduel Super Bowl commercials alongside Rob Gronkowski.
The duo was advertising the “Kick of Destiny,” where Gronkowski will attempt a field goal during the Super Bowl. Despite Weathers’s untimely passing, the ads have continued. Weathers stayed remarkably fit and active up until his death, adding to the shock of the icons passing. As Sylvester Stallone, Adam Sandler, and others mourned his passing, fate wasn’t finished with the entertainment industry.
Since celebrity deaths rarely are isolated, another legend passed just days later. On Monday, country legend Toby Keith passed away at home surrounded by his family from stomach cancer. The 62-year-old music legend was diagnosed with the disease in the fall of 2021 and was undergoing treatment.
The “Shoulda Been a Cowboy” singer reported that he had been receiving chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Keith had also been receiving immunotherapy to kill cancer cells, and the tumor had shrunk by one-third. The singer had taken time off from performing but was feeling so much better in 2023 that he performed three sold-out shows in Las Vegas.
After the three shows, Keith posted an encouraging message to X on New Year’s Eve. he wrote: “Been one hell of a year with a lot to be grateful for. Here’s to 2024!” Previous to that, in September, Keith performed at the People’s Choice Country Awards. He received the inaugural Icon award and said: “Bet you thought you’d never see me in skinny jeans. I want to thank the almighty for allowing me to be here tonight. You’ve been riding shotgun with me for a little while.”
It appeared that Keith had put the cancer behind him, and the announcement of his passing shocked the nation. The “Red Solo Cup” singer had planned to tour again, and fans rallied behind the legend as he battled the disease. His family wrote on X: “Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”
Since his passing, despite the tasteless efforts of the left to politicize his death, tributes have been pouring in for the country icon. Donald Trump Jr. posted a heartfelt tribute to social media. He said: “Ugh. We lost a legend. R.I.P Toby Keith.” Other commenters said: “He flew a flag in his yard till the day that he died….I’m completely shattered. An American Legend. Rest easy TK,” and“This is so heartbreaking. Rest in peace Cowboy. My condolences and prayers to his family.”
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Toby Keith was a well-loved and respected patriot. His career spanned decades, and he stayed relevant until the end. The country music landscape changes so quickly, and so many artists are disposable that Keith’s longevity was remarkable. He will be missed, and country music fans will never forget Toby Keith.
Watch Keith call on his fans to never apologize for being patriotic here: