Photo: Getty Images
Jake Owen posted a screenshot of a heartfelt text exchange he shared with Toby Keith in 2022, along with a rendition of one of the late country legend’s mid-90s ballads. Owen reflected on the conversation he shared with Keith after the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” star was honored with the BMI Icon Award at the 2022 BMI Country Awards in Nashville, Tennessee.
Keith died on Monday night (February 5), following a years-long battle with stomach cancer. He was 62. A statement posted to his social media pages in the early morning hours Tuesday (February 6) confirmed the beloved country star “passed peacefully…surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.” Keith announced in June 2022 that he was diagnosed with cancer the previous fall, and had been receiving chemo, radiation and surgery. He would take time off to spend time with his family and recover, he said in his statement at that time. Fans and the country music community have posted heartfelt tributes in Keith’s honor as they mourn his loss.
“It was so good to see you buddy,” Owen wrote in his text to Keith, sending a photo of the two artists at the BMI Awards in 2022. “I know you’ve been fighting the good fight not only health wise, but all these years you’ve been being that icon that they rightfully awarded you!! Erica and I have talked since Tuesday night how amazing it is all the things you have don and accomplished.. Also, you taking the time to just chat with me meant a lot.”
Keith wrote in his response: “Hey Buddy. Great talking with you. Real big of ya to check in. As far as accomplishments go… Make sure everything else you do is as large as the music gift we’re given. Almighty is almighty son.”
Owen noted in his caption that the BMI Icon Award that Keith received in 2022, “is given to exceptional songwriters in recognition of their ‘unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.’” Previous recipients of the award include legendary musicians: Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Williams, Jr., Stevie Nicks, Little Richard, Patti Labelle and James Brown. Owen shared the screenshot of his texts with Keith on the first slide of his Instagram post in the early morning hours Wednesday (February 7). On the second slide, he shared a snippet of his rendition of Keith’s “Who’s That Man,” appearing on his 10-track Boomtown album in 1994.
“As you can see… his response was something I’ll never forget and something I think we can all learn from,” Owen said of Keith’s message, highlighting the quote, “‘Make sure everything else you do is as large as the music gift were given’ …Toby didn’t just talk the talk… he walked the walk. Rest Easy Big Dawg.”