Toby Keith Was ‘Made in America’ and Had an Impressive Net Worth: How the Country Singer Made Money (2024)

Toby Keith was “Made in America” and he left behind an impressive fortune to show for it. The country singer died at the age of 62 on February 5, 2024, after spending years racking up a hefty net worth.

What Was Toby Keith’s Net Worth?

The “Red Solo Cup” singer had a net worth of $400 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com.

Despite his massive fortune, the country star came from humble upbringings. He was raised in Oklahoma and Arkansas and began his career by working in the oil fields after high school. While he always had a love of music, it wasn’t until he turned 20 that he started playing in a band.

After being laid off from his job in 1982, Toby found local success as a musician and began playing at more bars in Oklahoma and Texas. He didn’t head to Nashville to pursue a full-time career in country music until the early 1990s.

How Did Toby Keith Make His Money?

Toby nearly gave up on his singing career, vowing to search for other job opportunities if he didn’t get a record deal by the time he was 30. He signed a contract just in time and then released his first single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” in 1993.

After the song skyrocketed to No. 1 on the country music charts, Toby continued to release hit after hit. Some of his well-known songs include “Beer for My Horses,” “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue,” “How Do You Like Me Now?” and many others. He released 19 studio albums throughout his illustrious career. His final record with new music came out in 2021.

In addition to his music and touring, Toby also made money from his I Love This Bar and Grill restaurant chain. The first restaurant opened in Las Vegas in 2004 and several other locations were opened over the years. The Oklahoma native also made a smart investment when he bought a 10 percent stake in Big Machine Records, the label that eventually signed Taylor Swift, for $400,000 in 2004.

One of Toby’s most lucrative business ventures began in 2007 when he created his Wild Shot mezcal liquor. He reportedly earned $60 million to $100 million per year from his alcohol brand.

How Did Toby Keith Die?

Toby died after a battle with stomach cancer. He was diagnosed in the fall of 2021 and kept his illness a secret from fans for several months before sharing the news in June 2022. By that point, he had already started chemotherapy and radiation.

By 2023, Toby seemed to be doing better, and even said that there was a “positive trend” in his recovery. He performed three shows in Las Vegas to close out the year. Weeks later, he died.

“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family,” a statement on his official Instagram account said. “He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”

Was Toby Keith Married?

At the time of his death, Toby had been married to his wife, Tricia Lucus, for nearly 40 years. They tied the knot in March 1984.

Toby and Tricia had three children and four grandchildren. Their eldest daughter, Shelley, was born in 1980 from one of Tricia’s previous relationships. Toby adopted her after marrying her mother. The longtime couple’s second daughter, Krystal, followed in 1985. Krystal has pursued singing like her dad. Toby and Tricia’s son, Stelen, was born in 1987.

Toby Keith Was ‘Made in America’ and Had an Impressive Net Worth: How the Country Singer Made Money (2024)

FAQs

Toby Keith Was ‘Made in America’ and Had an Impressive Net Worth: How the Country Singer Made Money? ›

Beyond his music, contributing to Keith's impressive net worth was a restaurant franchise, a clothing line, a liquor called Wild Shot, and yes, a record label.

How did Toby Keith get so much money? ›

How Did Toby Keith Make His Money? Keith used his musical success as a springboard to a number of other business ventures over the years. His income streams included endorsem*nt deals, a chain of restaurants called Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill, a clothing line, a Mezcal brand, an acting career and more.

What country singer has the highest net worth? ›

Net Worth $675 Million

Known for her iconic voice and larger-than-life personality, Dolly Parton tops the list as the wealthiest country singer.

Why does Toby Keith earn money from Taylor Swift? ›

With stakes in Big Machine Records, Forbes reported Keith earned money when Swift generated revenue, creating a business partner sort of relationship.

How much weight did Toby Keith lose? ›

I finished them. ' ” Favre then went on to praise Keith for his resilience throughout his stomach cancer journey, which began with his diagnosis in the fall of 2021. He said that the singer “put on a brave front” despite losing over 130 lbs.

Who is the highest grossing country artist of all time? ›

These are the 20 country artists who have sold the most albums of...
  • These are the 20 highest-selling country artists of all time based on album sales, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
  • Garth Brooks tops the list with 157 million certified units sold in the US.
Sep 21, 2023

What singer is a billionaire? ›

Forbes
ArtistsNationalityNet worth
Peak estimation adjusted in 2023 $
Taylor SwiftUnited States$1.3 billion
Jimmy BuffettUnited States$1 billion
MadonnaUnited States$850 million
16 more rows

Who is number 1 singer of all time? ›

The 200 greatest singers of all time according to Rolling Stone as of January 2023
SingerRank
Aretha Franklin1
Whitney Houston2
Sam Cooke3
Billie Holiday4
180 more rows
Jan 22, 2024

How much is Dolly Parton's net worth? ›

Celebrity Net Worth estimates Dolly Parton's net worth at a staggering $650 million in 2023. While this figure may seem modest compared to some, it reflects the financial responsibilities Dolly manages, including overhead, taxes, and her charitable contributions.

Are Blake Shelton and Toby Keith friends? ›

Recently, Blake Shelton took to his social media to remember the singer who was also his close friend. Blake Shelton took to his social media platform to mourn the loss of Toby Keith. He wrote about Toby's battle with cancer and called him his brother, friend, hero, and inspiration.

Does Taylor Swift own her royalties? ›

Under her new record deal with Universal Music Group, she'd now own whatever masters she produced. Because she is usually the main songwriter, she would already have rights to the musical works. As the author and owner of her newest masters, Swift now has majority control of her work.

Did Toby Keith serve in the military? ›

Was Toby Keith in the military? No, but his father was. Toby Keith didn't serve time in the military himself; he was, however, the son of a veteran and dedicated ample time to supporting service members. In 2009, Keith told the American Forces Press Service that his father taught him to respect veterans.

What did Brett Favre say about Toby Keith? ›

Brett Favre is recalling the days leading up to his longtime friend Toby Keith's death. “I think in the end he was just tired,” the former NFL quarterback told TMZ Sports of Keith, who died on Monday (Feb. 5) of stomach cancer.

Why did Toby Keith quit chemo? ›

“[But] I think in the end he was just tired,” Favre added. We can hardly base treatment decisions on one man's experience. Mr. Keith, diagnosed at age 60, made his decision based on the type of cancer he had and his own unique goals of care at that stage in the disease.

How did Toby Keith pass away? ›

At only 62 years old, Toby Keith lost his battle with stomach cancer.

How much money was Toby Keith worth when he passed away? ›

What Was Toby Keith's Net Worth? The “Red Solo Cup” singer had a net worth of $400 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com. Despite his massive fortune, the country star came from humble upbringings.

How many years was Toby Keith married to his wife? ›

Toby Keith was married for nearly 40 years when he died at the age of 62 on February 5, 2024. The country singer built a lovely life with his wife, Tricia Covel (née Lucus), before his passing and fans want to know more about their marriage.

What does Toby Keith's son do? ›

How much is a number one country song worth? ›

Country Songwriting

In country music, it's all about the song. Period. The royalties from a number one song can be as much as $250,000 a week, every week it's number one, plus $250,000 a year, every year after that, for your whole life plus 70 years, which is the duration of the copyright.

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