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Bob Stoops offers heartfelt condolences following the passing of Toby Keith

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•02/06/24•

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Bob Stoops was among the many saddened to hear the news that country music star Toby Keith passed away Tuesday after a battle with stomach cancer. Keith, 62, had developed a friendship with Stoops through his fandom of the Oklahoma Sooners.

The Oklahoma native was often in attendance at Sooners sporting events, including cheering on Stoops’ OU football teams in the 2000s and 2010s. He was even a guest picker once on ESPN’s College GameDay prior to the 2018 Red River Rivalry game.

Stoops took to Twitter with a heartfelt message of remembrance for his friend, alongside a photo of him, Keith and current Oklahoma coach Brent Venables.

“It’s hard to find the proper words to describe such an incredible & iconic person,” Stoops wrote. “Did so much for so many! Big life, big heart, great family man, loyal & true friend! Prayers & love to Tricia & family. Love ya brother, RIP Big T.”

Keith grew up in Moore, Oklahoma, just a short drive from the OU campus in Norman. He played defensive end at Moore High School and later worked in the oil fields and played semi-professional football for the Oklahoma City Drillers.

Keith wouldn’t see his music career take off until 1993 when his debut single “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” climbed to No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It was only up from there, as he went on to become one of the most iconic country stars over the next few decades.

All the while, he remained loyal to his Oklahoma roots and stayed in the state that made him. For that, the news of his death is a day of great sadness for many in the Sooner State, including Stoops.

University of Oklahoma releases statement on passing of Toby Keith

The University of Oklahoma took some time on Tuesday to express its appreciation for Keith and all his work.

“The OU Athletics family is incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Toby Keith,” OU wrote in a statement. “It’s a profoundly sad reality to exist in a world where Toby doesn’t. He brought life and joy to every room he entered, and our hearts are dimmer today without him. An American icon and a stalwart Sooner. A superstar talent and a fierce friend of our program. We thank him for the unwavering support he always gave, his generosity as a human being and the countless smiles and memories he created here in Oklahoma and around the world.”