NATIONAL SINGER TOBY KEITH DIES AT 62

Toby Keith passed away on Monday after battling cancer. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

“You are a man whose strength, capacity and talent can only be surpassed by his ability as a father and husband,” he added. “Your impact is forever marked on the world and millions of people, but no one knew you like I did. You are my biggest champion and a guiding light in my darkest times.”

Covel also remembered Keith as “the best mentor.”

“You have a passion bigger than the mountains and it radiates through every lyric and chord. In the eternal echo of your musical legacy, you leave me the strength and faith to lean on in the silence that follows,” he wrote. “You really did it your way, from start to finish and never apologized for it.

“The only thing I really want in life is to make you proud. I promise to continue to make you proud… I love you, cowboy.”

Toby Keith continues to perform after being diagnosed with cancer. (Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty Images)

Keith is best known for his hit song “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”. The tune became the most played country song of the 1990s when it was played on the radio 3 million times.

The artist’s other top hits include “I Love This Bar,” “As Good as I Once Was,” “Beer for My Horses” and “How Do You Like Me Now?!”

Throughout his career, Keith has received seven Grammy nominations and has been named entertainer of the year at the Country Music Awards multiple times. He took home CMA Album of the Year honors in 2001 and again in 2004. Keith was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.

Toby Keith was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. (Tammie Arroyo/Variety via Getty Images)

Keith released his final album in 2021, “Peso in my Pocket.” The singer continued to perform after being diagnosed with cancer and last took the stage in December.

Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia; three children; and four grandchildren.

Toby Keith was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images for ACM)