Country singer-songwriter Toby Keith dies after battle with stomach cancer

Toby Keith performs at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York on June 18, 2015. The “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer-songwriter, who was battling stomach cancer, died peacefully Monday surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer’s website. “I write about life, and I sing about life, and I don’t overanalyze things,” Keith told the Associated Press in 2001, after the success of his song “I’m Just Talking About Tonight.” Keith learned good lessons in the booming oil fields, which toughened him up, but also showed him the value of money. Singer-songwriter Steve Earle called Keith’s song “pandering to people’s worst instincts at a time they are hurt and scared.” Then there was the feud between Keith and the Chicks, who became a target of Keith’s ire when singer Natalie Maines told a crowd that the group’s members were ashamed of then-President George W. Bush. Maines had also previously called Keith’s song “ignorant.” Keith, who had previously claimed that he supported any artist’s freedom to voice their opinion about politics, used a doctored photo of Maines with an image of Saddam Hussein at his concerts, further ramping up angry fans.