Toby Keith Prided Himself on Loving Family Environment Out of the Spotlight: 'I Have Great Kids'

“They all grew up with me being successful,” Keith previously told PEOPLE

Toby Keith took just as much pride in his off-stage life.

The country singer, who died Monday at the age of 62 following his stomach cancer diagnosis in 2021, revealed to PEOPLE in 2010 that he loved spending time at home with his wife and kids.

“Everybody in the family is good,” the musician told PEOPLE at the time. “I was raised by good parents and I have great kids. They don’t have any issues at all — none.”

“They all grew up with me being successful, but they are not hooked on that part of the business,” he added. 

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Keith married Tricia Lucus nearly 40 years ago. He adopted her first daughter Shelley Covel Rowland, who was born in 1980, and the couple then welcomed daughter Krystal in 1985 and son Stelen in 1997.

Shelley Rowland, recording artist Toby Keith, SwingDish creator and designer Tricia Covel and Krystal Keith Covel attend the SwingDish Launch Event at The Country Club at Wynn Las Vegas

Isaac Brekken/Getty Images

Following in her father’s footsteps, Krystal is a musician and recording artist. She’s also married to her husband, Drew, with whom she shares daughters Kirby and Hensley.

Meanwhile, Stelen is an entrepreneur, with a business portfolio that includes 405 Burger Bar, Sellout Crowd, Hollywood Corners and Tequila Chulos. He is married to his wife Haley, a travel advisor.

Stelen Covel, Haley Covel, Toby Keith, Shelly Covel, Tricia Lucus, and Krystal Keith.
Stelen Covel, Haley Covel, Toby Keith, Shelly Covel, Tricia Lucus, and Krystal Keith.

Stelen Covel Instagram

Keith’s family revealed in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday that the musician had died the previous day.

"Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5 surrounded by his family, the statement read. “He fought his fight with grace and courage."

Toby Keith and Tricia Lucus arrive to the 2023 People's Choice Country Awards
Toby Keith and Tricia Lucus arrive to the 2023 People's Choice Country Awards.

Allen Clark/NBC via Getty Images

The country star first announced his stomach cancer diagnosis in a June 2022 Instagram statement where he said that “Last fall I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax."

“I am looking forward to spending this time with my family. But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait. -T”

In September 2023, Keith also opened up about how his cancer journey had been "a little bit of a roller coaster.”

“You get good days and, you know, you're up and down, up and down,” he told E! News at the People’s Choice Country Awards red carpet, where he won the Country Icon Award.

“It's always zero to 60 and 60 to zero but I feel good today,” he added.

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