Krystal Keith commemorates her late father, Toby Keith, after his death from stomach cancer. The singer revealed how her father dealt with his diagnosis, which he made public in June 2022.

“He had a strong faith and a strong relationship with Jesus,” she said AARP in an interview published Tuesday, August 27. “He got to a point where, ‘No matter what happens, I know where I’m going and I’m okay with it.’ I think he fought longer than he would have on his own because he wanted to do everything my mother asked him to do, so she could feel like she was doing everything she could to help him. He was truly the epitome of strength and courage. We were not surprised by the way he pulled himself through his cancer journey.”

On Wednesday, August 28, those close to Toby celebrated his life with an evening of celebrity tributes in Toby Keith: American Iconwhich was filmed at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Krystal took the stage to sing her father’s song “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” leaving viewers emotional during the powerful performance. She explained why she decided to sing the song and what it meant to her.

“I was like, ‘Okay, I can handle a party song.’ But when (producers) approached me with (‘Don’t Let the Old Man In’), I was like, ‘Oh shit, I’m crying just listening to that song. I don’t know how I’m going to sing it,'” she said. People on Wednesday. “I’m glad they did, because it turned out really special. I think he would have been proud of it.”

Toby performed “Don’t Let the Old Man In” at the People’s Choice Country Awards in September 2023. That night, he accepted the Country Music Icon Award and took the stage for an emotional speech.

“I bet you thought you’d never see me in skinny jeans,” Toby said. “I want to thank the almighty for letting me be here tonight. You rode with me for a while.”

He added: “A lot of people start a career like this for 30 years.”

“I especially want to thank the fans for still allowing us to do what we do,” the “American Soldier” singer said.

Six months later, Toby’s family announced that he had passed away at the age of 62.

“Toby Keith passed away peacefully last night on February 5th surrounded by his family,” the family’s statement said in February. “He fought his battle with grace and courage. Please respect his family’s privacy at this time.”

Besides daughter Krystal, Toby is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucuschildren Shelley and Stelen and four grandchildren.

“He was an ‘oh gosh, this isn’t necessary’ type of guy,” Krystal said. “He wouldn’t want us to have this big thing for him, but he would also be honored that those artists would take time out of their schedules and make that happen and honor him in such a way and say such kind words about him.”