opinion
Country music star Reba McEntire is currently preparing to perform the national anthem in front of millions of people before the Super Bowl on Sunday. McEntire, though, took some time to honor legendary country music star Toby Keith, who died earlier this week at the age of 62 after a battle with stomach cancer.
McIntyre honors Keith
Both Keith and McIntyre were from Oklahoma, and after his death was announced, she recalled her touring days with him.
“We will miss him greatly, not only as a friend, but as a fellow musician and someone in the music business and from Oklahoma,” McIntyre, 68, told People magazine. “But he doesn't have to fight anymore, and he doesn't have to suffer anymore.”
This was a reference to Keith's valiant battle with stomach cancer, which he was diagnosed with in the fall of 2021.
“I hope to see him one day in heaven,” she continued. “Thank God we have His wonderful music to accompany us, even though He is not with us on earth.”
McIntyre never forgot touring with Keith throughout the mid-1990s.
“That was a lot of fun,” she recalled. “Toby was more of the maverick, outlaw type, and I'm Little Miss Judy in boots, so it was kind of like two ends of the spectrum.”
“He was a great writer, a great singer. “When Toby came on the radio, you knew who he was,” McIntyre added. “Toby Keith was a remarkable, determined singer, and you knew exactly who he was. So, that’s a great trait to have.”
McIntyre concluded by referencing Keith's 2011 hit song “Red Solo Cup”, saying: “He and I have this thing in common – I love the Solo Cup.”
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Tributes to Keith
Keith's family announced Tuesday morning that he had tragically died the night before.
Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night on February 5 surrounded by his family. “He fought his battle with grace and courage,” they said in a statement. “Please respect his family’s privacy at this time.”
In the days since his death, other tributes have poured in for Keith as well.
“Toby Keith was a patriot, and he didn’t care who had a problem with it,” country music star John Rich told Fox News.
Rich later added: “I woke up to the terrible news that our friend and legend @tobykeith has passed away from cancer.” Social media. He was a true patriot, a first-rate singer-songwriter, and a larger-than-life man. We will miss him very much.”
Blake Shelton, who has helped Keith's career for decades, also paid tribute to Keith.
“Even though I knew about your battle over the past few months, I never imagined this day,” he said, according to NBC News. “Anyone who knows you knows what I mean. You were the toughest man I've ever met. Thank you, brother, for being a friend, a hero, and an inspiration. There will never be another Toby Keith.”
McIntyre's preparations for the Super Bowl
As for McEntire, she is preparing to perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl on Sunday.
“I was singing the national anthem in the bathroom [and] “When we get in the car,” McEntire told People magazine, referring to car rides with her boyfriend Rex Lane, whom she describes as a “huge soccer fan.”
“He'll say, 'Okay, sing it again.' “I think I know the words pretty well now, so I'm good,” I said, adding that it “helps” to “know that everyone is going to sing it with me” at Allegiant Stadium.
“If I know they're singing along, remembering and having fun too, it's easier for me, but just being prepared when I go out there,” she explained.
RELATED: Reba McEntire Gets the Honor of Performing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl — “Oh My God!”
McEntire went on to say that she was “honored beyond words” to perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl for the first time.
“I want to sing a very special song for all the Americans, and people around the world, who worked so hard for our freedom and to give us peace,” she said. “It's not about me – I'm the actor of this song, and I'm honored to sing it. It's a good one. I've been doing it for 50 years, and I'm really proud that I sang it.”
This is obviously a very busy time for McEntire, so what says a lot about her love for Keith is that she took time away from her Super Bowl preparations to honor him. Please join us in saying a prayer for McIntyre and Keith's other loved ones during this difficult time.
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