WATCH: Footage Of Toby Keith’s Final Recording Session Has Us All Choked Up

It has been a few months since the late singer-songwriter Toby Keith died from gastric cancer, leaving behind a trail of successful hits and foundations for pop culture. He was diagnosed in 2022 but continued stage performance while undergoing treatment.

Reflecting on Toby’s career, his last time in the recording booth was him doing a cover of Joe Diffie’s “Ships That Don’t Come In” from the ‘90s. Footage from the session featured in American Icon: Toby Keith, evoked an emotional reaction as the crowd watched Toby who managed to sing whilst in pain.

Fans react to Toby Keith’s final recording

@whiskeyriff @Toby Keith #whiskeyriff #tobykeith #joediffie ♬ original sound – Whiskey Riff

Toby’s cover of Joe’s hit classic has garnered a series of heartfelt reactions online, with some fans admitting to crying while streaming the song. “This just breaks me knowing it was his last song. Even after death he left us one last gift. Rest easy legend, patriot, icon,” someone commented.

Another fan noted that Toby’s music gave him a kind of American pride that he is ever grateful for. “Whether I’m overseas or back home, it always makes me proud of my decision to be a part of the greatest team,” they gushed.

Toby’s music career

It all started in 1993 when Toby dropped his debut single, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” which went to top the charts in the same year. Within the same decade, he released four studio albums, which earned him a gold or higher certificate, depending on which.

Interestingly, Toby was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame just hours before his death. Aside from music, Toby was also a commercial actor, starring in ads for Telecoms USA and Ford. He was also an intelligent entrepreneur with several businesses, including a chain of restaurants and a clothing line, TK Steelman.